Railways

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) was launched in February 2023 to holistically redevelop 1,309 railway stations across India with improved passenger amenities, rooftop plazas, better circulation, landscaping, and local art/culture. Total outlay: ₹24,470 crore. PM Modi performed the simultaneous groundbreaking of 508 stations on 6 August 2023. The scheme targets stations across all zones with focus on connectivity with the local economy and city. Different from the earlier 'world class' station model — ABSS aims at standard but modern redevelopment for a much larger number of mid-tier stations.

Freight grew steadily from 2004 through 2015, then stagnated briefly (trucking competition, infrastructure bottlenecks), before accelerating with the Dedicated Freight Corridors (EDFC + WDFC, 3,000 km, fully operational 2022-24). Coal (~45%) and cement are top commodities. Railways' share of freight tonne-km is ~36% — the government targets 45% by 2030 to reduce logistics costs.

TODO: confirm latest electrification percentage from Railway Board. Indian Railways achieved 100% broad-gauge electrification of its mainline network in December 2023, ahead of target.

Vande Bharat Express (Train 18) is India's first indigenously designed semi-high-speed train, manufactured by ICF Chennai. First service: New Delhi–Varanasi (Feb 2019). 136 rakes in service by March 2025; target of 400 sets by FY2025-26. Top speed 160 km/h (commercial speed 130 km/h). Design & manufacturing indigenisation is a key achievement; export interest from several countries noted.