The bill does not undermine the powers of state governments; rather, it strengthens cooperative federalism.
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha has successfully passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025, marking a crucial step in the modernization and restructuring of railway operations across India. Introduced by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics and IT, this bill aims to enhance operational efficiency while empowering regional railway offices with greater decision-making authority.
During the parliamentary session, Vaishnaw clarified that the bill does not undermine the powers of state governments; rather, it strengthens cooperative federalism by decentralizing administrative processes. A key provision of the legislation grants general managers of railway zones the autonomy to approve projects valued at up to Rs 1,000 crore, thereby minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating railway infrastructure development.
The bill effectively repeals outdated colonial-era provisions and consolidates the functions of the Railway Board into the Railways Act, 1989. This legislative update streamlines the regulatory framework by replacing multiple archaic acts with a single, comprehensive legal structure, facilitating smoother governance and administrative efficiency.
In his address, Vaishnaw underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring balanced railway development across all states, regardless of their political leadership. He pointed out that states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal have received significantly increased railway budget allocations compared to previous administrations, leading to more equitable infrastructure growth nationwide.
Over the past decade, Indian Railways has achieved remarkable milestones in infrastructure development. A total of 34,000 kilometers of new railway tracks have been laid—exceeding the entire rail network of Germany. Additionally, 45,000 kilometers have been electrified, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels, while 50,000 kilometers of aging tracks have been replaced with higher-quality rails, ensuring enhanced durability and safety.
In terms of railway safety, the government has made substantial investments, with funding rising from Rs 8,000 crore under previous administrations to Rs 1.14 lakh crore under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Rail fractures have declined by an impressive 91%, with incidents reducing from 2,548 in 2013-14 to a negligible number today. The implementation of the Kavach safety system, certified with SIL 4 standards, provides the highest level of security in railway operations.
Employment generation has also seen a notable increase under the NDA government, with over 5,02,000 jobs created, surpassing the 4,11,000 jobs generated during the UPA era. Large-scale recruitment drives have been conducted with transparency, offering opportunities to millions of job seekers. Additionally, the iGOT training platform has recorded maximum participation from railway employees, equipping them with essential skills for the evolving industry.
On the front of passenger amenities and modernization, Indian Railways has installed 3,10,000 modern toilets in railway coaches, significantly improving sanitation and hygiene standards. Furthermore, 558 running rooms for locomotive pilots have been upgraded into fully air-conditioned facilities, ensuring better rest conditions for railway personnel. The introduction of cutting-edge locomotives with advanced technology is further enhancing operational efficiency.
In response to recent incidents of overcrowding at railway stations, the government has introduced full access control measures at 60 major stations. Under this initiative, only ticketed passengers will be allowed to enter platforms, thereby reducing congestion and improving safety. Additionally, special trains will be stationed near high-traffic hubs to accommodate sudden surges in passenger numbers during peak travel periods.
Vaishnaw reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), urging railway employees and stakeholders to build on the solid foundation established over the past decade. With the enactment of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025, India’s railway sector is set to enter a new era of efficiency, safety, and modernization, delivering world-class services while driving economic growth.