Continuous Track Upgradation Underway Across Indian Railways
The Indian Railways has renewed around 54,600 kilometres of railway tracks across its network between 2014 and February 2026 as part of its ongoing infrastructure upgrade and safety improvement programme.
Track renewal is a continuous process carried out based on several factors including the age of the track, traffic density, and overall condition. Authorities prioritise renewal works to ensure trains can run safely at permitted speeds across the railway network.
Safety of Train Operations a Top Priority
According to the government, ensuring the safety of train operations remains a top priority for Indian Railways. A well-established system of inspection and maintenance has been implemented as per the guidelines of the Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual.
Railway tracks are regularly inspected through various methods such as daily patrols, on-foot inspections, trolley inspections, and footplate or rear-window inspections conducted by designated officials.
In addition, modern monitoring systems such as Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs are carried out at scheduled intervals to objectively assess track geometry and health. These inspections help officials take timely corrective measures to maintain track safety.
Modern Technology Being Used to Upgrade Tracks
Indian Railways has adopted several modern technologies and infrastructure improvements to enhance track reliability and safety.
Key measures include the use of modern track structures featuring 60 kg rails with 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), wider pre-stressed concrete sleepers with elastic fastenings, and fan-shaped turnout layouts. Heavy-duty sleepers are also being used on girder bridges.
Advanced track components such as Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings are being installed in turnout renewal works. Long rail panels of 260 metres are also being supplied to reduce welding joints and improve ride quality and safety.
Rail welding is now carried out using Flash Butt Welding technology, while improved switch expansion joints have replaced earlier conventional systems.
Mechanisation and Smart Monitoring Systems Introduced
To improve maintenance efficiency, Indian Railways has adopted mechanised track maintenance systems. High-output tamping machines, rail grinding machines, and specialised track-laying machines such as PQRS, TRT, and T-28 are being deployed.
Advanced technologies including Phased Array rail testing, Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS), and Oscillation Monitoring Systems (OMS) are also being used to monitor track conditions and detect defects.
Portable track measuring trolleys are being used for recording track parameters in yards, while a web-enabled Track Management System (TMS) helps integrate inspection data and enables better analytics for maintenance planning.
Significant Increase in Track Speed Potential
As a result of these upgrades and technological improvements, the speed potential of railway tracks has significantly increased across the network.
In 2014, only 5,036 kilometres of tracks supported speeds of 130 kmph and above, accounting for about 6.3 percent of the network. By February 2026, this has increased to 23,713 kilometres, representing 22.4 percent of the network.
Similarly, tracks supporting speeds between 110 and 130 kmph have increased from 26,409 kilometres in 2014 to 62,036 kilometres in 2026.
Meanwhile, the proportion of tracks with speed potential below 110 kmph has significantly reduced.
Minister Shares Data in Lok Sabha
The information was shared by Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw while replying to questions in the Lok Sabha.
The government said continuous strengthening and modernisation of railway track infrastructure will remain a key focus area to improve safety, efficiency, and speed across the Indian Railways network.