Largest-ever allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for Railways, modern trains to be rolled out soon

Focussing on passenger safety and carrying capacity, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday announced the largest-ever allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore capital expenditure for the Indian Railways in 2018-19.

"Strengthening the railway network and enhancing Railways' carrying capacity has been a major focus of the government. Railways' capex for the year 2018-19 has been pegged at Rs 1,48,528 crore. A large part of it is devoted to capacity creation," the minister said.

In 2017-18 budget, the total capex of Railways was Rs 1,31,000 crore.

Modern train sets with state-of-the-art amenities and features are being designed at the Integrated Coach Factory, Perambur. The first such train set will be commissioned during 2018-19, he said.

Claiming significant improvement in achievement of physical targets by he Railways, a total 4,000 kilometres of electrification is targeted in the current fiscal.

The work on eastern and western dedicated freight corridors is in full swing. Adequate number of rolling stock - 12000 wagons, 5160 coaches and approximately 700 locomotives - are being procured during 2018-19.

The minister also announced a 'Safety First' policy, with allocation under the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh, also called safety fund, of Rs 73,065 crore for coming fiscal, against Rs 68,725 in 2017-18. Over 3,600 km of track renewal is targeted during the current fiscal.

Other major steps include increasing use of technology like 'Fog Safe' and 'Train Protection and Warning System'. A decision has been taken to eliminate 4,267 unmanned level crossings in the broad gauge network in the next two years.

Under passenger amenities, stations with 25,000 footfalls will have escalators. All railway stations and trains will be progressively provided with Wi-Fi. CCTVs will be provided at all stations and on trains to enhance security of passengers.