Indian Railways has manufactured 1,400 locomotives this year, surpassing the combined production of the United States and Europe, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Railways. Additionally, the rail network has expanded its freight capacity, targeting 1.6 billion tons of cargo transportation by the end of the financial year on March 31.
The railway sector has also added 200,000 new wagons to its fleet. Efforts to modernize include the transition to Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, with 41,000 already produced and plans to replace all older ICF coaches.
The ministry highlighted ongoing locomotive exports, with units from the Madhepura factory in Bihar expected to be shipped internationally. Indian Railways is also exporting passenger coaches to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while locomotives are being sent to multiple countries, including Mozambique, Senegal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Other railway components such as bogie underframes and propulsion parts are being exported to destinations including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Germany.
Infrastructure investments have increased in recent years, with railway revenue reported at approximately INR 2.78 trillion and expenses at INR 2.75 trillion. The financial performance has enabled the railway to fund major operational expenses internally.
The ministry also stated that measures are being taken to improve railway safety. Initiatives include long rails, electronic interlocking, fog safety devices, and the implementation of the ‘Kavach’ collision avoidance system. Following the recent accident at New Delhi Railway Station, a high-level investigation has been launched, with data collection and witness statements underway.
Indian Railways is also expanding non-air-conditioned coach production, with a target of 17,000 units under the current plan. Additionally, 50 Namo Bharat trains, including both AC and non-AC variants, are being manufactured for short-distance travel.
Electrification efforts continue, with the goal of achieving ‘Scope 1 Net Zero’ by 2025 and ‘Scope 2 Net Zero’ by 2030. Energy costs have remained stable despite increased passenger and freight volumes.