Indian Railways has played a crucial role in the development of the country and has always been important in driving India forward, and has seen numerous changes since its inception. From toilets being introduced on trains in 1891 for the 1st Class and in 1907 for other classes to the implementation of the first computerised reservation system in New Delhi during 1986, Indian Railways has truly personified the growth story of India.

Over the last 4 years Indian Railways has acted as the growth engine to the nation’s Vikas Yatra and has been a pioneer in delivering Speed, Service, and Safety to every passenger that travels across the network. The transformation of Indian Railways has truly been a reflection of the change that is taking place under the Narendra Modi Government.

Let me share with you a few of these achievements.

Safety:

● 62% reduction in consequential train accidents

118 in 2013-14 to 73 in 2017-18 (Best ever safety record)

● Indian Railways has introduced the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)

Fund of Rs. 1 Lakh Cr created for safety expenditure with Rs. 16,000 Cr already spent

● Highest ever construction of Road Over Bridges and Road Under Bridges

There has been a 3 times increase in average construction per year from 415 (2004-14) to 1,220 (2014-18)

● Railways has also made it a priority to eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs)

5,479 UMLCs have been eliminated in the last 4 years and we are in the process of eliminating all UMLCs on major routes by June, 2018.

Infrastructure:

● There has been an increase in average annual capital expenditure

Capital expenditure in 2014-19 (5.29 lakh Cr) is more than double of average during 2009-14 (2.30 lakh Cr)

The average pace of commissioning of New Line/Doubling/3rd & 4th line projects has also increased by 59%. From 4.1 Km per day (2009-14) to 6.53 Km per day (2014-18)

● The first ever Bullet Train project in India has been commissioned between Ahmedabad and Mumbai

The project will ensure job creation and will reduce travel time from approx. 8 hrs to 2 hrs

● Railways has also achieved the highest ever electrification in single year, 4,087 RKM (2017-18) from 610 RKM (2013-14)

This will ensure speed, savings, sustainability

Customer Services

● All railway stations are fitted with 100% LED lights, ensuring energy efficiency is improved

● To enhance passenger experience the beautification of 60 stations is already completed using local art

● To improve punctuality and passenger convenience 407 new train services have been introduced in last 4 year

● To help reduce passenger inconvenience during delays SMS services started on 1,373 trains to keep passengers updated

● Railways has introduced high speed Wi-Fi service at more than 675 stations

Reforms

● There has been a change in procurement practices

Railways has issued an E-Reverse auction policy, which will save up to Rs. 20,000 Cr annually. Additionally, 100% e-Procurement is now done through a single web portal, ensuring transparency and accountability

● Indian Railways has also empowered Field Officers by delegating powers

Powers of General Managers to approve works fully delegated upto maximum limit

Powers for service contracts delegated to DRMs to enable faster processing and decision making

● Railways is also introducing India’s First National Rail and Transportation University in Vadodara

This University will develop a skilled and able workforce that will further contribute to the growth of the nation

I am extremely proud I could share with you a few of the achievements Indian Railways has achieved under the Narendra Modi Government over the last 4 years.