Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition-2025
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, inaugurated the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition-2025 today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This exhibition is recognized as Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest railway exhibition. During the event, the Minister unveiled ambitious plans to develop dedicated passenger corridors across India, aiming for speeds of up to 350 km/h. These initiatives are part of the Government’s Viksit Bharat vision, which seeks to enhance the railway infrastructure significantly by 2047.
Plans for Dedicated Passenger Corridors
During his address, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the necessity of constructing dedicated passenger corridors to meet the transportation demands of India’s 1.4 billion population. He outlined plans for these corridors to achieve maximum speeds of 350 km/h, with operational speeds reaching 320 km/h. The initiative is part of a broader vision to develop approximately 7,000 km of dedicated routes by 2047. These corridors will feature advanced, indigenously developed signaling systems and modern Operations Control Centres (OCCs), ensuring efficient and safe travel for passengers. The Minister’s remarks highlight the government’s commitment to modernizing the railway system to accommodate the growing demand for transportation.
Advancements in Vande Bharat Trains
The Union Minister also discussed the success of the Vande Bharat train series, which he described as matching international standards in technical performance. Currently, India operates Vande Bharat 3.0, which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 52 seconds, outperforming many trains in Japan and Europe. Looking ahead, Vande Bharat 4.0 is set to launch within the next 18 months, with enhancements aimed at improving passenger experience, including better toilets and seating. The Minister expressed a vision for Vande Bharat 4.0 to become a global benchmark in quality and comfort, making it a model for other countries to aspire to.
Progress of Amrit Bharat Trains and Infrastructure Development
Minister Vaishnaw provided updates on the Amrit Bharat train initiative, noting that Amrit Bharat 2.0 is currently operational while version 3.0 is under development. This new version will utilize push-pull technology, making it suitable for long-distance travel. The Minister also announced that Amrit Bharat 4.0 will introduce next-generation trainsets and locomotives, with expectations for design and manufacturing to be completed within the next 36 months. The Minister highlighted the significant strides made in railway infrastructure, including the laying of over 35,000 kilometers of new tracks and the electrification of 46,000 kilometers in the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian Railways: A Global Leader
Vaishnaw noted that Indian Railways now serves over 20 million passengers daily and has become the world’s second-largest network in freight transport, surpassing the United States. He mentioned the rapid progress of the bullet train project and the nearing completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, which is 99% finished. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is also underway, with plans to redevelop over 1,300 railway stations nationwide. The Minister highlighted several remarkable infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Bridge and India’s first vertical lift Sea Bridge at Pamban. With a budget of ₹1.16 lakh crore allocated for the current financial year, the focus remains on safety and technological innovation, including the indigenous safety system KAVACH. The exhibition, themed ‘Future-Ready Railways,’ features over 450 exhibitors from more than 15 countries, showcasing modern rail and metro products, innovations, and sustainable solutions.
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