Parliament Passes Landmark Bill to Modernize Indian Railways, Empowers Zone GMs with Rs 1,000 Crore Project Approval

In a significant step towards streamlining and modernizing railway operations in India, Parliament on Monday passed the Railways Amendment Act 2025. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the legislation focuses on infrastructure development, safety, and technological advancements, ensuring a robust and future-ready railway network.

The Rajya Sabha approved the bill after it was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha. Addressing the debate, Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to decentralization, efficiency, and cooperative federalism. He clarified that the bill does not diminish the powers of state governments but instead empowers field offices and railway zone general managers with full authority to approve projects up to Rs 1,000 crore.

Key Highlights of Railway Development Initiatives

1. Infrastructure Expansion & Electrification: Over the past 11 years, 34,000 kilometers of new railway tracks have been laid—surpassing Germany’s total rail network. Additionally, 45,000 kilometers have been electrified, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. More than 50,000 kilometers of old tracks have been replaced with high-quality rails.
2. Enhanced Safety Measures: Investment in railway safety has surged from Rs 8,000 crore under previous administrations to an unprecedented Rs 1.14 trillion under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The number of rail fractures has decreased by 91%, with incidents dropping from 2,548 in 2013-14 to a minimal count today. The Kavach safety system, equipped with SIL 4 certification, ensures the highest security levels in railway operations.
3. Employment Generation: Under the NDA government, more than 5,02,000 jobs have been created, surpassing the 4,11,000 employment opportunities provided during the UPA era.
4. Passenger Amenities & Modernization: The Railways has installed 3,10,000 modern toilets in railway coaches, significantly enhancing hygiene standards. Additionally, 558 running rooms for loco pilots have been fully air-conditioned. New locomotives are now being manufactured with state-of-the-art technology and improved working conditions.

Crowd Management and Station Security

Vaishnaw also addressed concerns over crowd management at railway stations, particularly in light of recent incidents. To enhance security and ensure smooth passenger flow, the government will implement full access control at 60 major railway stations, allowing only ticketed passengers onto platforms. Additionally, special trains will be stationed near high-traffic stations to manage unexpected surges in passenger numbers.

Transforming the Railway Board Framework

The Railways Amendment Act 2025 marks a crucial shift from colonial-era provisions. The current framework, governed by the Railways Act of 1989, will now be streamlined into a single comprehensive legislation, reducing redundancy and enhancing governance. While the nature and scope of the Railway Board, Zones, Divisions, and Production Units will remain unchanged, the revised structure aims to bring more clarity and efficiency to railway operations.

Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’

Reaffirming the government’s long-term vision, Vaishnaw underscored Prime Minister Modi’s mission for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He urged railway employees and stakeholders to build upon the solid foundation laid over the past decade, driving the Indian Railways towards a more advanced and passenger-centric future.