Union Railway and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has made a bold assertion, stating that within the next five years, every railway passenger will be guaranteed a confirmed ticket. This commitment, he says, stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to expand railway capacity.
Speaking during an interaction with IANS on Tuesday, Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significant transformation witnessed in Indian Railways over the past decade under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
“In the next five years, PM Modi guarantees that the capacity of the Railways will be increased so much that almost any passenger who wants to travel can easily get a confirmed ticket,” stated the Union Minister, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring convenience and accessibility for passengers.
He underscored the pivotal role of railways in the country’s economic growth, affirming that efforts will be intensified to strengthen railway infrastructure and enhance passenger facilities at an accelerated pace.
Vaishnav also reflected on the remarkable progress made by Indian Railways in recent years. “From 2014 to 2024, 31,000 kilometres of new tracks were built,” he noted, highlighting the substantial expansion of railway networks under the Modi administration.
Moreover, he pointed out the significant leap in railway electrification, with a staggering 44,000 kilometres electrified in the last decade compared to only around 5,000 kilometres in the preceding decade.
The Union Minister also addressed the improvement in coach manufacturing, revealing that while only 32,000 coaches were produced from 2004 to 2014, a remarkable 54,000 coaches were built in the last decade.
Furthermore, he highlighted the inauguration of two dedicated freight corridors spanning 2,734 kilometres, contrasting the situation where no such corridor was commissioned before 2014.
As the government presses forward with its ambitious plans to modernize and expand the railway network, Vaishnaw’s remarks signal a concerted effort to prioritize passenger convenience and accessibility in the years to come.