Indian Railways aims to spearhead economic growth, becoming a global leader by 2040 with significant investments in modernization.
Indian Railways is set to play a pivotal role in transforming India into a $5 trillion economy by 2040, as highlighted at the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention held at PHD House. Themed “Indian Railways – Journey towards Viksit Bharat through Innovation, Infrastructure, Investment & Industry Partnership,” the event showcased key achievements and future aspirations.
Speaking at the convention, K Laxman, Member of Parliament, emphasised the immense progress made by Indian Railways, including 94 percent electrification, advancements in technology, and sustainable practices. He outlined ambitious plans such as the introduction of 4,000 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, a ₹10-12 lakh crore investment in railway infrastructure, and the modernization of major stations like Secunderabad and Tirupati.
The railways are also implementing AI-driven systems and the Kavach collision-prevention technology, targeting a capacity to transport 3,000 million tons of cargo by 2040. Arunendra Kumar, Chair of the PHDCCI Railways Committee, stressed the importance of enhancing passenger capacity, multimodal connectivity, and innovative technologies to achieve these goals.
Other speakers highlighted significant initiatives, including a 1,000 km network expansion and the adoption of the Kavach 4.0 system to minimise accidents. Vijay Pratap Singh of the Railway Board revealed that electrification has reduced freight costs dramatically, with plans to phase out diesel locomotives entirely.
Additional efforts focus on clean energy, regional connectivity, and digital transformation. Digitization in ticketing has revolutionised operations, with 88 percent of tickets now booked online and faster refund processes.
The convention also marked the release of a knowledge report by ICMAI and PHDCCI, further underscoring Indian Railways’ role as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Rishabh Jain and Ranjan Dhingra of the PHDCCI Railways Committee.
Indian Railways’ commitment to modernization, sustainability, and innovation is steering the nation toward its vision of “Viksit Bharat,” establishing it as a global leader in the railway sector.
