**Executive Summary**
This document outlines Indian Railways' track renewal program from 2014 to February 2026, which aims to enhance safe train operations by upgrading approximately 54,600 km of tracks. Key upgrades include modernization of track structures and advanced technologies for inspection and maintenance. The program aims to significantly increase the percentage of tracks capable of higher speeds, with a notable jump in tracks allowing speeds of 130 kmph and above by February 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Track Renewal Program Scope:**
* Approximately 54,600 km of tracks are planned for renewal between 2014 and February 2026.
* Track renewal works are conducted based on criteria including age, traffic carried, and condition.
* Prioritization of renewal is based on track condition and other factors to ensure safety at permitted speeds.
* **Track Infrastructure Upgrades:**
* **Modern Track Structure:** Implementation of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, wider and heavier Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers (PSC) with elastic fastening, fan-shaped turnout layouts on PSC sleepers, and H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges.
* **Turnout Renewal:** Use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings.
* **Rail Panel Supply:** Increased supply of 260m long rail panels to reduce welding joints and improve safety and riding quality.
* **Welding Technology:** Adoption of improved welding technology like Flash Butt Welding.
* **Expansion Joints:** Use of Thick Web Switch Expansion Joints in place of conventional/improved SEJs.
* **Track Maintenance and Inspection Systems:**
* **Mechanization:** Adoption of mechanized systems for track maintenance using high output plain tampers and points & crossing tampers for improved maintainability and reliability.
* **Modern Machines:** Deployment of state-of-the-art machines, including Rail Grinding Machines, to enhance asset reliability.
* **Track Laying Mechanization:** Mechanization of track laying activities using machines like PQRS, TRT, and T-28.
* **Level Crossing Safety:** Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates for enhanced safety.
* **Rail Testing:** Use of advanced Phased Array technology for testing of rail and welds.
* **Monitoring Systems:** Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive track health assessment and determining optimal maintenance needs.
* **Yard Inspection:** Adoption of portable Track Measuring Trolley for continuous recording of track parameters in yards.
* **Data Management:** Utilization of a web-enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of track inspection records to support precise maintenance inputs.
* **Impact on Track Speed Potential:**
* The measures have led to a significant increase in track speed potential.
* **130 kmph & Above:** Expected to increase from 6.3% (5,036 km) in 2014 to 22.4% (23,713 km) by February 2026.
* **110-130 kmph:** Expected to increase from 33.3% (26,409 km) in 2014 to 58.7% (62,036 km) by February 2026.
* **Below 110 kmph:** Expected to decrease from 60.4% (47,897 km) in 2014 to 18.9% (19,923 km) by February 2026.
* Overall, the total track length under consideration increased from 79,342 km in 2014 to 1,05,672 km by February 2026.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Indian Railways Operations**
* **Impact:** Enhanced safety of train operations, increased operational efficiency, and improved riding quality for passengers. The increase in track speed potential allows for faster train services.
* **Action Required:** Continue to implement and maintain the upgraded track infrastructure and monitoring systems. Adhere to the laid down schedules for inspections and maintenance.
* **Passengers and Freight Customers**
* **Impact:** Potential for reduced journey times due to higher train speeds, and improved safety during travel and goods transportation.
* **Action Required:** No direct action required from passengers or freight customers; they will benefit from the improvements.
* **Designated Officials/Track Maintenance Personnel**
* **Impact:** Need to adapt to and utilize new technologies and modern track structures. Increased responsibility for implementing advanced inspection and maintenance procedures.
* **Action Required:** Undergo training on new technologies and methodologies. Execute regular inspections and maintenance as per the updated schedules and procedures using the new systems.
* **Suppliers of Railway Materials and Equipment**
* **Impact:** Increased demand for modern track components, advanced welding technologies, mechanized track laying and maintenance equipment, and monitoring systems.
* **Action Required:** Continue to supply materials and equipment that meet the specifications outlined for modern track structures and maintenance processes. Ensure quality and timely delivery.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual: A manual that prescribes the system of inspection and maintenance of railway tracks.
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for overseeing railway operations and infrastructure in India.
Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS): A system used for comprehensive health assessment of railway tracks to determine optimal maintenance requirements.
Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS): A system used to assess the health of track geometry and monitor oscillations.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, who provided the information.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Renews 54,600 km of Tracks
During 2014–26 to Ensure Safe Train Operations
Over 80% of Rail Network Now Capable of 110 kmph &
Above Sectional Speed, Up from 40% in 2014; Tracks
Clocking 130 kmph & Above See 3.5-Fold Jump from 6.3% to
22.4% During Same Period
Posted On: 11 MAR 2026 5:38PM by PIB Delhi
Upgradation and renewal of tracks is a continuous and ongoing process. The track renewal is carried out
as per the laid down criteria based on age, traffic carried, condition etc.
Track Renewal Works are planned and executed duly prioritizing the condition of track and various other
factors so as to ensure that track is safe for running of trains at permitted speed.
The details of track renewal carried out across the entire railway network during 2014-26 (up to Feb’26)
are as under:
Track renewed ~ 54600 Km
Safety of train operation is accorded top priority on Indian Railways (IR). There is a well-established
system of inspection and maintenance of railway tracks as prescribed in Indian Railways Permanent Way
Manual.
The tracks on IR are regularly inspected by designated officials as per the laid down schedule. This
includes daily patrolling, on-foot inspection, trolley inspection and foot plate/rear window inspection by
the concerned officials. Further, to assess the health of track geometry objectively, Track Recording Car
(TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs are conducted at scheduled frequencies. The entire
railway network of Indian Railways is covered through TRC and OMS runs. Based on various inspections,
necessary action is taken in a time bound manner to ensure safety of track.
Strengthening, upgradation, modernisation and improvement of track infrastructure is a continuous and
ongoing process over Indian Railways. The following measures are being taken by Indian Railways to
upgrade railway tracks:
i. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Wider and
heavier Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers (PSC) with elastic fastening, fan-shaped layout turnout on
PSC sleepers and H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges are being used while carrying out primary
track renewals.
ii. The Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings are being used in turnout renewal works.iii. Supply of 260m long rail panels have been increased to avoid welding of joints, thereby
improving safety and riding quality
iv. Thick Web Switch Expansion Joints are being used in place of earlier Conventional/Improved
SEJs.
v. Adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e. Flash Butt Welding.
vi. Adoption of mechanized system for track maintenance using high output plain tampers and
points & crossing tampers for improved maintainability & reliability of track.
vii. Deployment of state-of-the-art modern machines including Rail Grinding Machines to further
improve asset reliability.
viii. Mechanisation of track laying activities through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28
etc.
ix. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates for enhancing safety at LC gates.
x. Use of advanced Phased Array technology of testing of rail and welds.
xi. Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System
(OMS) for comprehensive health assessment to ascertain optimal maintenance requirements.
xii. Adoption of portable Track Measuring Trolley for continuous recording of track parameters in
yards.
xiii. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the
track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs.
As a result of above measures, there has been significant increase in speed potential of the tracks. The
details of speed potential of railway tracks during 2014 vis-a-vis 2026 are as under:
Sectional Speed 2014 2026 (up to Feb’26)
(kmph)
Track Km % Track Km %
130 & above 5,036 6.3 23,713 22.4
110 - 130 26,409 33.3 62,036 58.7
< 110 47,897 60.4 19,923 18.9
Total 79,342 100 1,05,672 100
This information was provided by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and
Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a reply to questions in Lok Sabha
today.
*****
Dharmendra Tewari/ Manik Sharma
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