New Delhi, Feb 3 (UNI) Railway Minster Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday the Railways has been allocated Rs 2.52 lakh crore in the Budget for financial year 2025-26, showing the commitment of the government in upgrading railway infrastructure and safety.
Addressing a press conference here, Vaishnaw said the railways plan to manufacture 50 Namo Bharat and 200 Vande Bharat trains, including both sleeper and chair car variants, in the next two to three years.
He also unveiled the plan to manufacture 17,500 Non-AC General and Sleeper Coaches to improve rail connectivity across the country.
"The move is expected to enhance the travel experience for low-income passengers and ease the growing pressure on railway infrastructure," he said added.
Vaishnaw also highlighted other new projects worth Rs 4.6 lakh crore, which will be completed over the next four to five years.
These projects include the laying of new railway lines, redevelopment of stations and the construction of flyovers and underpasses.
He said Rs 1,16,000 crore have been allocated for railway safety which will revolutionize the railway infrastructure across the country.
The Minister also thanked Prime Minister and Finance Minister for continued big allocation in a row to Railways with a focus on safety.
He informed that for Indian Railways to become the second highest freight carrying Railways in the world, it aims to achieve a target of 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo by the end of this fiscal.
Further, Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways will achieve 100 percent electrification by the end of this financial year.
UNI JA SS