Sitharaman Reviews Railways Ministry Capex Plan, Emphasising Safety and Commuter Convenience

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently assessed the capital expenditure plans of the Railways Ministry. She emphasised the importance of prioritising safety and commuter convenience. Officials were instructed to accelerate the implementation of the Kavach system, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, in phases. The aim is to meet the allocated capex target within the specified timeframe.

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During the meeting, Ministry of Railways officials informed Sitharaman that work on the Kavach system is underway across more than 3,000 route kilometres on the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai sections. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance railway safety and efficiency.

Focus on Safety and Capacity Enhancement

Sitharaman highlighted the government's commitment to improving citizens' ease of living. She urged railway officials to concentrate on capacity augmentation, safety, and commuter convenience. This includes doubling and electrifying existing tracks and laying new railway lines nationwide, as outlined in the Union Budget's capex provisions.

The Finance Minister also stressed the need for timely completion of these projects. She encouraged officials to ensure that the capex target for FY 2024-25 is achieved promptly, building on the progress made in the first 100 days of this government.

Upgrading Rail Bogies to Vande Bharat Standards

Sitharaman directed the Railways Ministry to expedite converting 40,000 standard rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards. This upgrade aims to enhance passenger safety, convenience, and comfort, as announced in the Interim Budget 2024-25.

This meeting forms part of a series of review sessions scheduled with ministries and departments with significant capex allocations in the Union Budget. These reviews are crucial for ensuring that allocated funds are utilised effectively and efficiently.

The Finance Ministry's statement reiterated its focus on achieving these goals within set timelines. The emphasis remains on maintaining momentum in infrastructure development while prioritising safety and convenience for commuters across India.