Ten Highlights on the India Railways’ transformational leap in the previous decade.

Railways have always been the backbone of our country in terms of commute and conveyance. With its arms like unfolding tracks in every direction of our country, it was always considered to be the primary pathway for every activity. Amidst the tide of globalization and rapid economic expansion, the nation had undergone comprehensive changes that embraced innovation across all fronts, including its traditional modes of operation which included railways as well. Indian Railways which was initially constructed to just serve foreign interests and bolster a particular regime, has now matured to serve the nation’s own needs, blossoming into an expansive network that stands as a testament to India’s sovereignty and progress.

When one has to talk about the Railway’s transformation it can never be justified as just a point or a destination but can be considered more like a journey. The journey that began with the development of infrastructure and advancement of services, has now expanded its horizons with innovative initiatives built with it. Updation and transformation are mere terms to describe this gigantic modification. On the brink of this journey, India is soon going to be blessed with the arrival of its first-of-a-kind hydrogen-fueled trains under the initiative for Hydrogen for Heritage. This most revolutionary step in this journey towards sustainability is the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains symbolizing a leap forward in sustainable transportation solutions, reflecting Indian Railways’ steadfast commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology for a greener future.

India, with its evolving phases, is now gradually transitioning into the realm of developed nations, a status that was nearly impossible to conceive a few years ago. Progressing at a pace of 130 kilometers per hour, it is swiftly addressing challenges, asserting its presence, and overcoming the hurdles that once impeded its advancement, thereby setting new benchmarks for acknowledgment. When talking about the speed at which everything is changing one cannot ignore the new arrivals of high-speed trains in the country. The launch of semi-high-speed trains brought a new era of rapid transit to the Indian rail network. Followed by the country celebrating the launch of the kind Namo Bharat train and the Amrit Bharat trains, marking significant milestones in the nation’s railway history. And also when one is talking about such fast pace trains no one can miss the idea of Country’s first Bullet Train. ‘Shinkansen’, a word which no Indian would have ever thought about or heard about, will now be a daydream come true for every Indian witnessing the first roll between Gujarat and Maharashtra. Today, the iconic Vande Bharat trains crisscrossed the country, traversing over 41 routes that connect cities with its people like never before. However, the journey of this high-speed transformation took its 6th gear with the major announcement of 500 additional Vande Bharat trains replacing older ones, has not only thrilled the people but has also sparked a surge of electrified enthusiasm, as now they will be served modern technology and better services at such affordable prices. Just not that with a track record of transporting 5.86 billion passengers last fiscal year, Indian railways has also introduced its first solar-powered train which is a unique step in the direction of a sustainable future.

This journey of transformation has resembled more of a rollercoaster ride than a straightforward path to the destination for the government. Marked With major highs of bigger dreams and major lows of rugged obstructions which the previous government didn’t pay much attention to, for any government to start the coping up journey It was more like shooting in the dark side. Embarking on such a journey required a starting point, and in 2014, the state of affairs left behind by the previous government served not merely as a situation but as a warning sign for any government to start upon. After nearly 67 years of independence, the initiative to electrify the railways commenced, and today, in 2024, Indian Railways stands completely electrified, emerging from the shadows that once enveloped it. Another example of such a rugged obstacle in this transformative journey was the scarcity of railway tracks, which posed difficulties in their multifaceted utilization. For instance, when passenger trains were operational, freight trains had to wait, leading to inefficiencies in both time and product handling due to the limited number of tracks available. Recognizing this issue as a priority, the government initiated the development of dedicated freight corridors. These corridors not only facilitated efficient freight transportation but also facilitated the doubling of tracks for their respective purposes.

This serves as a mere glimpse of the transformation underway. Not only have the trains and engines been upgraded, but the current union government has also embarked on the task of revitalizing railway stations. More than 1300 stations are currently undergoing a substantial overhaul as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and updating facilities. Additionally, as a testament to India’s value and the promotion of the ‘Make In India’ and ‘Vocal For Local’ initiatives, each railway station now features shops selling elements reflecting the unique characteristics of respective regions, adding a touch of local charm to the platform commuting people as well as conveyance of aspirations

But the journey doesn’t end here. With a pledge to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030, Indian Railways is doubling down on its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Thousands of railway stations are now equipped with solar power units, providing them with a self-sustaining energy source. Extensive electrification projects have revamped numerous tracks, while waste-to-energy initiatives and afforestation drives are underway to create greener railway corridors. Initiatives like transitioning to three-phase electric locomotives with regenerative capabilities and adopting Head-On Generation (HOG) technology represent just a few measures taken toward a more sustainable future. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, Indian Railways remains steadfast in its commitment to connecting the nation, driving innovation, and charting a course towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow.