Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils Vision for 350 kmph Corridors at IREE 2025

Marking a historic moment in India's rail modernization journey, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, inaugurated the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 — Asia's largest and the world's second-largest railway exhibition — at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 15th October 2025.

Themed "Future-Ready Railways", the event brings together more than 450 exhibitors from over 15 countries, showcasing next-generation rail and metro technologies, digital innovations, and sustainable transport solutions. The exhibition, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Ministry of Railways, will run until 17th October 2025.

India to Build High-Speed Passenger Corridors up to 350 kmph

In a visionary announcement, Shri Vaishnaw unveiled the government's plan to construct a network of dedicated passenger corridors engineered for speeds of up to 350 kmph, with operating speeds reaching 320 kmph. These corridors, he said, will become a backbone of India's high-speed mobility ecosystem, linking major cities and regions by 2047, as part of the Viksit Bharat roadmap.

"India will develop around 7,000 km of dedicated high-speed passenger corridors over the next two decades. Each corridor will be equipped with indigenously developed signalling systems, advanced Operations Control Centres (OCCs), and world-class passenger amenities," the Minister announced.

The initiative represents one of India's most ambitious infrastructure programs, combining speed, sustainability, and self-reliance in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Gati Shakti principles.

Vande Bharat Trains: India's Global Benchmark for Modern Mobility

The Minister hailed the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of India's engineering excellence, noting its global competitiveness in performance and passenger comfort. "The Vande Bharat has been a huge success. On technical parameters, it matches the best in the world," Shri Vaishnaw said.

He revealed that Vande Bharat 3.0, currently operational, meets international standards, accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 52 seconds — faster than several premium trains in Japan and Europe. It also features low noise and vibration levels, superior aerodynamics, and energy efficiency.

The upcoming Vande Bharat 4.0, set to launch within 18 months, will feature enhanced interiors, ergonomic seating, upgraded toilets, and advanced coach design. "Our goal is to make Vande Bharat 4.0 a global benchmark for performance, safety, and passenger experience — a train that other nations aspire to adopt," the Minister asserted.

India is also designing next-generation high-speed trainsets with a strong export orientation, signaling the country's entry into the global railway manufacturing market.

Amrit Bharat Trains: Redefining Long-Distance Travel

The Minister highlighted significant progress under the Amrit Bharat train initiative, aimed at transforming long-distance rail travel. Amrit Bharat 2.0 is already operational, while Amrit Bharat 3.0, based on push-pull technology, is under advanced development. The Amrit Bharat 4.0 version will feature integrated trainsets and next-generation locomotives designed for higher comfort, better acceleration, and superior fuel efficiency.

"Within the next 36 months, we expect the new-generation passenger locomotives to be fully designed, manufactured, and ready for testing," Shri Vaishnaw said, adding that the project embodies India's engineering leadership and manufacturing strength.

Record Expansion of Rail Network and Electrification

Reflecting on the achievements of the past decade, the Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways has undergone unprecedented modernization and expansion.

Over the last 11 years, the Railways has:

• Laid more than 35,000 km of new tracks,

• Completed electrification of 46,000 km of routes, and

• Transformed India into a major railway exporter.

Rail engines built in India are now being exported to Africa, Australia, and several other countries, demonstrating India's growing industrial and technological competitiveness.

Scaling New Production Records and Technological Milestones

For the financial year 2024–25, Indian Railways achieved record production figures, manufacturing:

• Over 7,000 coaches,

• Approximately 42,000 freight wagons, and

• 1,681 locomotives.

The Railways also introduced India's first 9,000 HP electric locomotive, while the more powerful 12,000 HP versions are already operational.

Currently, India operates:

• 156 Vande Bharat services,

• 30 Amrit Bharat services, and

• 4 Namo Bharat regional rail services, covering diverse terrains and regions across the country.

Transforming Stations, Corridors, and Passenger Experience

The Minister reported that India's Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) network has achieved 99% completion, significantly improving logistics speed and reliability.

Meanwhile, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, more than 1,300 railway stations nationwide are undergoing redevelopment to offer modern amenities, heritage-inspired architecture, and digital passenger services.

Indian Railways is also prioritizing safety, innovation, and green technologies, with a budget allocation of ₹1.16 lakh crore for the current fiscal year. This includes widespread deployment of KAVACH, the indigenous train collision avoidance system, across high-density routes.

Engineering Marvels of Modern India

The Minister highlighted several world-class railway infrastructure projects that have become symbols of India's engineering excellence:

• The Chenab Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir — 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.

• The Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu — India's first vertical lift sea bridge.

• The Bairabi–Sairang Bridge in Mizoram — 42 metres taller than the Qutub Minar.

These projects, he said, embody India's capability to undertake complex, high-altitude, and marine engineering challenges, setting new benchmarks in infrastructure design and construction.

India's Global Ascent in Freight and Passenger Rail

Shri Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways, which carries over 20 million passengers daily, has now become the world's second-largest network in freight transport, surpassing the United States. This achievement, he said, reflects the scale and efficiency of India's transport modernization.

"The Indian Railways is no longer just a mode of transport — it is an engine of national transformation," he remarked. "It connects people, powers industries, and symbolizes India's march toward becoming a developed nation."

Future-Ready Railways: Innovation and Global Collaboration

The IREE 2025 exhibition is a global platform for showcasing railway innovations, technologies, and partnerships that align with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. It features international participation from railway manufacturers, technology providers, and R&D institutions, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and business collaboration.

Among the dignitaries present at the inauguration were Railway Board Chairman and CEO Shri Satish Kumar, and Vice-Chancellor of Gati Shakti University, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary.

The Minister's address concluded with a powerful message:

"India's railways are the arteries of a developed nation in the making. With indigenous technology, global partnerships, and visionary leadership, we are building railways that will define the next century."