The Railways would invest nearly Rs 250,000 crore during the next five years for modernisation, technological upgradation and doubling of transport capacity. More significantly, works and rolling stock programmes have been given the much-needed commercial orientation and sharp focus. Route-wise capacity augmentation programme for the entire high-density networks would be implemented at a cost of Rs 75,000 crore over the next five years. All important dedicated routes for iron ore and coal will be made fit for 25 tonne axle load and port connectivity works would be completed on war footing.

For long-term capacity augmentation, construction of eastern and western dedicated freight corridors will begin over the next six to nine months. The Railways has ambitious plans for building dedicated freight corridors over the entire golden quadrilateral and its diagonals. New rolling stock units for manufacturing wheel and axles, coaches, diesel and electric locos and new generation wagons will be set up in the next few years. Construction of multi-modal logistics parks and modernisation of major stations into world class terminals would enable provision of state-of-the-art services to customers.

Inclusive reforms in the Railways have unveiled a new era of enterprise, risk taking and creativity. But our dreams have not yet been realised in full measure. There is no doubt in our mind that we have succeeded in creating an environment in which railwaymen dream more boldly, imagine more creatively and aspire more confidently. The Indian Railways we imagined four years ago is now within our reach.

Views are personal