Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-exit-polls-2024-modi-3-0-can-revolutionize-indian-railways-spotlight-on-infrastructure-3510922/
Publisher: Financial Express
As exit polls hint at the return of the Modi government for a third term, the spotlight is on the infrastructure sector, particularly railways. Indian Railways is anticipated to remain the Modi-led BJP government’s top focus and the industry players eyeing significant investment opportunities. According to its election manifesto, BJP is poised to continue its robust infrastructure development agenda.
The Indian Railways, often hailed as the lifeline of the nation, has undergone significant modernisation efforts during the previous two terms under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. With approximately 5.85 billion passengers carried in FY23 alone, the railways have seen a massive push towards increasing efficiency.
The introduction of initiatives such as the Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, Namo Bharat, Kavach System and more, underscores BJP’s commitment to enhancing rail connectivity and passenger experience in the nation.
Expanding Railway Network
The government plans to expand the railway network to increase capacity for both passenger and cargo transportation. With a track record of constructing 31,000 km of railway tracks in the last decade, the focus is now on adding over 5000 km of new tracks annually.
Introduction of New Age Trains
Initiatives such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains will see further expansion, with plans to introduce Vande Sleeper trains for overnight journeys.
Introduction of Bullet Train
Following the construction of the first Bullet Train corridor, feasibility studies will be initiated for Bullet Train Corridors in North, South, and East India, leveraging the experience gained.
Expansion of Kavach Train Protection System
The indigenous Automatic Train Protection System, Kavach, will witness rapid expansion in coverage. Similar to the electrification of the railway network, the government aims to expand the manufacturing, design, and installation of Kavach systems in a mission mode.
Building World-Class Railway Stations
The ongoing redevelopment of 1,300+ railway stations to world-class standards will be expanded to include all major and medium-sized stations across the country.
Increasing Ticket Availability
Efforts will be made to significantly enhance passenger carrying capacity by 2030, aiming to alleviate the burden of long waiting lists.
High-Frequency Trains for Regional Connectivity
The commissioning of sections of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) between Delhi and Meerut will be expanded, along with the launch of regional connectivity programs to integrate major cities and boost regional economies.
Expanding Metro Network
The metro network, initiated in over 20 cities in the past decade, will be expanded in major urban centers to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity.
Launch of User-Friendly Super App
A comprehensive Super App will be launched to provide all train-related services to users in a single platform, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Meanwhile, industry players are optimistic about the exit polls predictions and come back of Modi government. “We anticipate a substantial infrastructure push following the 2024 Exit Polls. The Modi government has consistently emphasized infrastructure and connectivity as key focus areas. The interim budget’s allocation to infrastructure, amounting to 3.4% of GDP, underscores a forward-looking roadmap for ‘Viksit Bharat.’ This transformative agenda encompasses significant investments in railway corridors, the expansion of metro networks, and the introduction of Vande Bharat trains. As part of Modi 3.0, Indian Railways is set to introduce Zinc Thermal Sprayed Rails, crucial for corrosion-free Train Transport Infrastructure necessary for High-Speed Trains in the country,” said Rahul Sharma, Director India, International Zinc Association (IZA).
