Over the past decade, Indian Railways has undergone major upgrades to its track infrastructure, significantly boosting train speed potential across the country. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, over 78% of the railway tracks in India can now support train speeds above 110 kmph, a marked improvement driven by extensive modernization initiatives. These upgrades include the use of 60 kg rails, wider base concrete sleepers, thick web switches, H-beam sleepers, longer rail panels, and the deployment of advanced track renewal and maintenance machinery. As a result, a considerable portion of the network is now equipped to handle high-speed operations.
India’s Rail Network Sees Major Speed and Expansion Boost by 2025
In 2014, only 6.3% of India’s tracks—around 5,036 kilometers—could support speeds exceeding 130 kmph. By 2025, this figure has increased to 21.8%, or 23,010 kilometers, enabling faster trains like the Vande Bharat Express to operate efficiently. These modern trains, classified as semi-high speed services, are designed for 180 kmph and currently operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph. However, their average speed depends on track geometry, the number of stops en route, and ongoing maintenance work.
Simultaneously, tracks supporting speeds between 110 and 130 kmph now comprise 56.6% of the network, while slower tracks (below 110 kmph) have decreased drastically—from 60.4% in 2014 to just 21.6% in 2025. In addition to speed enhancements, the total length of India’s railway tracks has also expanded substantially, from 79,342 km in 2014 to 105,672 km in 2025—a 33.2% growth.
Vande Bharat: Symbol of India’s Rail Modernization and Speed Revolution
These developments reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to enhancing its infrastructure to support faster, safer, and more efficient travel. The Vande Bharat Express stands as a symbol of this progress, operating on upgraded tracks that enable higher speeds and reduced travel times for millions of passengers across the country.
Summary:
Indian Railways has modernized its tracks over the past decade, enabling over 78% to support speeds above 110 kmph. High-speed capability rose from 6.3% in 2014 to 21.8% in 2025. The Vande Bharat Express symbolizes this progress, running on upgraded infrastructure that ensures faster, safer, and more efficient travel nationwide.
