Railway Budget 2026 Unveils Historic Capital Expenditure with Safety as Top Priority
In a significant announcement that underscores the government's commitment to transforming India's rail network, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed the Railway Budget 2026-27 allocations during a press conference at Rail Bhawan on Sunday, February 1. The minister emphasized that strengthening railway infrastructure, expanding capacity, and enhancing passenger safety remain the core focus areas for the coming fiscal year.
Record-Breaking Capital Expenditure Allocation
The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated a historic Rs 2,93,030 crore as capital expenditure (capex) for Indian Railways, marking the highest-ever financial outlay for the national transporter. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year's total outlay of Rs 2,78,030 crore, reflecting the government's intensified efforts to modernize and expand rail infrastructure across the country.
Safety Receives Unprecedented Financial Commitment
Minister Vaishnaw declared safety as the highest priority for Indian Railways, with approximately Rs 1.20 lakh crore earmarked specifically for safety-related expenditures. He highlighted that sustained investments over recent years have already yielded remarkable results, with railway accidents reduced by nearly 95 percent. The government is now further intensifying efforts to strengthen safety outcomes through comprehensive measures.
The safety enhancement strategy includes:
- Enhanced maintenance of tracks, locomotives, wagons, and coaches
- Rapid deployment of the Kavach automatic train protection system
- Installation of CCTV cameras across railway infrastructure
- Upgradation of overhead electrical (OHE) systems
- Station redevelopment projects
- Improved customer care and passenger facilities
Infrastructure Achievements and Future Projects
During the conference, Vaishnaw showcased significant infrastructure milestones already accomplished, including:
- Construction of 35,000 km of new railway tracks
- Electrification of 47,000 km of railway lines
- Electrification of over 99.5 percent of the broad-gauge network
The detailed capex allocation for various railway projects in Budget 2026-27 includes:
- Safety-Related Works: Rs 1,20,389 crore
- Rolling Stock: Rs 52,108.73 crore
- New Lines: Rs 36,721.55 crore
- Doubling Projects: Rs 37,750 crore
- Electrification Projects: Rs 5,000 crore
- Track Renewals: Rs 22,853 crore
- Signalling and Telecom: Rs 7,500 crore
- Gauge Conversion: Rs 4,600 crore
- Computerisation: Rs 492.64 crore
- Bridge, Tunnel Works and Approaches: Rs 2,557.96 crore
- Traffic Facilities and Yard Remodelling: Rs 7,897.27 crore
- Metropolitan Transportation Projects: Rs 2,886 crore
Environmental Benefits and National Development Vision
The Railway Minister emphasized that rail transport is nearly 95 percent less polluting than road transport, aligning perfectly with the government's environmental and climate commitments. This reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of railways as a green mode of mass transportation that contributes significantly to sustainable development.
The Ministry of Railways stated in an official release: "The record allocation reinforces the role of Indian Railways as a backbone of national development, economic growth and inclusive connectivity. With the initiatives outlined in Union Budget 2026–27, Indian Railways is poised to play a decisive role in nation-building by delivering faster connectivity, efficient logistics and resilient infrastructure in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat."
This comprehensive budgetary allocation positions Indian Railways to accelerate its transformation into a modern, safe, and environmentally sustainable transportation network that will drive economic growth and connect communities across the nation.
