Rajya Sabha Passes Historic Railway Reforms Bill: What It Means for Passengers & Infrastructure
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlines key improvements in efficiency, safety, and modernization.
BNH NETWORK
New Delhi - The Rajya Sabha has passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2025, marking a transformative step in India's railway modernization journey. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the bill’s role in enhancing efficiency, decentralization, and safety while reinforcing cooperative federalism. The bill replaces outdated colonial-era provisions, streamlining railway operations under a single legal framework.
Key Reforms Under the Railway (Amendment) Bill 2025
✔ Decentralization of Power: General Managers in railway zones can now approve projects up to ₹1,000 crore, reducing bureaucratic delays.
✔ Higher Budget Allocations for States: Increased funding for states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal, ensuring balanced railway development.
✔ Simplified Legal Framework: Replaces colonial-era provisions by integrating the Railway Board’s functions into the Railways Act, 1989 for better governance.
✔ Boost for Infrastructure & Safety: Prioritization of track electrification, station upgrades, and cutting-edge safety measures like the Kavach system.
Major Achievements in Railways Under Modi Govt
???? Infrastructure Expansion:
- 34,000 km of new railway tracks added—greater than Germany’s total rail network.
- Electrification of 45,000 km of tracks, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- 50,000 km of old tracks replaced with high-quality rails.
???? Enhanced Passenger Safety:
- Railway safety investment surged from ₹8,000 crore to ₹1.14 lakh crore in a decade.
- Rail fractures reduced by 91%, ensuring safer travel.
- Kavach safety system (SIL 4 certified) implemented for high-level security.
???? Employment & Capacity Building:
- 5,02,000 jobs created under NDA, surpassing UPA-era recruitments.
- Transparent recruitment exams with millions of candidates participating.
- Maximum employee enrollments on the iGOT training platform for skill development.
???? Passenger Convenience & Modernization:
- 3,10,000 modern toilets installed in railway coaches for improved hygiene.
- 558 running rooms for loco pilots now fully air-conditioned.
- State-of-the-art new locomotives designed for enhanced efficiency.
Upcoming Passenger-Friendly Measures
- Access Control at 60 Major Railway Stations: Only ticketed passengers will be allowed on platforms to reduce congestion.
- Dedicated Special Trains: Positioned at high-traffic stations to handle passenger surges efficiently.
- Faster Approvals for Key Projects: New framework allows quicker decision-making for railway expansions.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, calling upon railway employees and stakeholders to triple their efforts in ensuring world-class rail services.
