Sat Feb 01 16:11:16 UTC 2025: ## Indian Railways to Receive Massive Budget Boost, Promises Faster, Safer Travel

**New Delhi** – The Indian Railways is poised for a significant expansion and modernization, thanks to a record-breaking allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded the budget, describing it as “amazing” and highlighting a massive Rs 2,52,000 crore gross budgetary support for the Ministry of Railways – the second consecutive year of such substantial funding.

This investment will facilitate the introduction of 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, and 50 Namo Bharat rapid rail trains within the next two to three years. An additional 17,500 general non-AC coaches will also be added to the fleet. The minister emphasized that these improvements will significantly benefit the low and middle-income population.

The budget further allocates a substantial Rs 1,16,000 crore towards enhancing railway safety. Overall, infrastructure development projects for Indian Railways are budgeted at Rs 4,60,000 crore.

Minister Vaishnaw also pointed to the budget’s positive impact on employment and the middle class through investments and reduced income tax burdens. He noted that the Railways aims to achieve 100% electrification by the end of FY 2025-26 and will leverage the budget’s support for small modular reactors to further its electrification efforts. Furthermore, the Railways is on track to become the second-largest freight carrier globally, aiming to transport 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo by the end of the fiscal year. India also aims to have 7,000 km of high-speed rail network by 2047, supporting speeds up to 250 km per hour.

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