Indian Railways is set to become a global leader by 2040, driving economic growth and innovation, according to experts at the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention.
New Delhi: Indian Railways is positioned to play a transformative role in India’s journey toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, said Dr. K Laxman, Member of Parliament and Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, at the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention. The event, held at PHD House, revolved around the theme, “Indian Railways – Journey towards Viksit Bharat through Innovation, Infrastructure, Investment & Industry Partnership.”
Highlighting the remarkable progress of Indian Railways, Dr. Laxman said, “The railway sector has achieved 94% electrification and aims for 100% soon, placing India among global leaders. Projects like the Mumbai Bullet Train, the production of 4,000 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, and ₹10-12 lakh crore allocated for infrastructure in the next five years exemplify the government’s vision.”
He noted that substantial investments have been made in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with railway stations like Secunderabad and Tirupati being modernized to international standards. Technologies like the AI-driven Kavach system for collision prevention and a target of 3,000 million tons of cargo transportation by 2040 underpin the sector’s growth.
Key Highlights of the Convention:
- Vision 2040 for Indian Railways:
- Modernization projects, including 4,000 Vande Bharat trains and 1,500 new locomotives, are underway.
- ₹2.5 lakh crore is being invested annually in infrastructure.
- Freight capacity is set to double by 2030, with green initiatives reducing diesel costs dramatically.
- Technological Advancements:
- AI, IoT, and the Kavach 4.0 system are driving safety and efficiency.
- Digitization of passenger services has improved convenience, with e-tickets now comprising 88% of ticket sales and refunds processed in record time.
- Sustainability Focus:
- India is on track to become the first major country to achieve 100% rail electrification, supporting its net-zero carbon goals.
- Plans for renewable energy and innovative storage solutions like SMR technology are being explored to ensure round-the-clock clean power availability.
Industry and Government Collaboration
Mr. Arunendra Kumar, Chair of the PHDCCI Railways Committee, emphasized that Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in the “Viksit Bharat” mission, highlighting the importance of technology, passenger capacity expansion, and multimodal connectivity. “For the first time, the government is not constrained by a lack of funds to invest in railway infrastructure,” he added.
A Roadmap for Innovation and Growth
Speakers like Mr. Sajal Gupta, Co-Chair of the PHDCCI Railways Committee, and senior Railway Board officials underscored the focus on regional connectivity, safety improvements, and fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation. Projects in the Northeast, Kashmir, and Char Dham are reshaping regional integration, while digitization is transforming operations.
Looking Ahead
The convention concluded with a call for collective efforts to achieve the ambitious targets set for Indian Railways. With modernization, sustainability, and innovation at its core, Indian Railways is poised to lead globally, propelling India’s economic development and fulfilling the vision of Viksit Bharat.
