IN THE PIPELINE
- Plans to build 7,000 km of new tracks through new lines, gauge conversion, and track doubling/ tripling/ quadrupling at an average of 20 km/day
- Construction of 1,000 new-design overbridges and underbridges on railway tracks to eliminate track-level disruptions
- Development of 1,275 stations under Amrit bharat Scheme
- Establishment of 2,000 Jan Suvidha Kendras for daily-use convenience items at railway stations
- Overhaul in passenger reservation system to handle up to tenfold increase in ticket (250,000) and enquiries (4 mn)
- Local arts and crafts to be promoted at 750-1,000 stations
- Introduction of inter-city Vande Metro 'shuttles', hydrogen trains on heritage routes
‘Market borrowings in FY24 won’t impact IRFC’
After the Railways brought its market borrowings down to zero in the FY24 Budget, the minister said the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) would remain healthy despite no financing activity in the coming fiscal year.
“IRFC’s own income is quite good because it has a strong and significantly large book. So, there is no need for IRFC to worry about its income (in the upcoming fiscal year),” Vaishnaw told Business Standard.
The minister, however, said more and more focus was being laid on using government funds to establish the foundation that would bridge India’s current infrastructure gap.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Quarterly Starter
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app