Ex-Rail GM Lists 11 Themes for Railways in Budget 2025
Mumbai Ahmedabad Rail Corridor Image Credit Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railways May See Strong Focus in Budget 2025: Ex-Rail GM
By Amit Kumar
New Delhi, January 12: Ahead of the unveiling of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former General Manager of the Railways Lalit Chandra Trivedi has listed 11 priority areas for allocation for the national transporter. Trivedi stated that the Railways may see significant attention in the Budget.
“The Indian Railway sector is expected to receive significant attention in the upcoming Union Budget 2025, given its pivotal role in economic development and infrastructure growth,” said Trivedi in a post on Linkedin. He served the Ministry of Railways for decades while he recently penned a chapter on the vision for railways in a book – India in 2050.
On the prospects of the increased capital outlay, Trivedi stated that “following the record ₹2.64 lakh crore allocation in the 2024 Budget, another increase in capital outlay is anticipated to boost railway infrastructure, enhance capacity, and modernize operations”.
“Green Initiatives and expansion of network could see continued focus with thrust on renewable energy adoption to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030,’ added the former Railway official.
He also emphasised that efforts may further be made for expansion of the tracks to decongest the rail routes. “…attempts need to be made for gradual segregation of freight and passenger corridors,” added Trivedi. The Railways claims that the twin dedicated freight corridors, eastern and the western, are nearing completion.
Trivedi also stated that there could be more focus in the Budget for efforts to enhance the train speed on some of the major routes to 130 kmph. He also stated that the Railways may unveil more allocations for Vande sleeper trains and Vande Amrut trains with maximum possible (route) lengths. “Allocation for manufacturing additional Vande Bharat/ Amrut trains may be on the card,” added Trivedi.
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He also stated that there may also be attention on the progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project with possible announcements for new high-speed rail corridors.
On modernization of Railway infrastructure, Trivedi hoped that the Budget could give focus for “investment in advanced signalling systems and AI-based safety technologies”.
He also hoped that there may be a focus on the expansion of station redevelopment projects to improve passenger amenities and facilities. On private participation, Trivedi hoped that “new initiatives for private investments in railway projects such as private train operations, freight corridors, and railway manufacturing units” could be seen in the Budget.
He also hoped for simplified frameworks for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in key projects. Trivedi also hoped that the Budget 2025 may unveil freight and logistics reforms with incentives for freight traffic, particularly for long-haul goods.
“Enhanced multimodal logistics hubs and seamless connectivity with ports and industrial hubs under Gati Shakti could also find attention in the Budget,” added Trivedi.
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On passenger services, Trivedi stated that “subsidies or budget allocation for affordable passenger services on long-distance routes” could be on the cards. Besides, he hoped that there may be investments in advanced IT solutions for better ticketing, real-time tracking, and passenger feedback systems.
For indigenous manufacturing push, the former Railway official stated that the “support for Make in India in railway manufacturing, including rolling stock, signalling equipment, and advanced technology integration” could be expected. “Incentives for MSMEs and private players contributing to the railway ecosystem may be expected,” he added.
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Trivedi is also expecting the Railways to pay attention to AI, IoT, and Big Data analytics to optimize operations and improve efficiency. “Strengthening cybersecurity and IT infrastructure may be expected,” said Trivedi, adding that Metro Rail and Urban Transport could witness continued funding and planning across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
He also expects budgetary support for innovative urban rail transport systems such as Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS). “Provisions for job generation through large-scale railway projects, particularly in construction, operations, and maintenance sectors may also be another focus area,” added Trivedi.
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