New Delhi, February 5, 2026 – Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, provided a comprehensive update on the transformation of India’s rail infrastructure in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on February 04, 2026. A primary highlight of the report is the progress of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which has seen 172 railway stations successfully redeveloped to date. The scheme, which has identified a total of 1,337 stations for modernization, is designed to turn these transit points into “city centers” featuring long-term master plans, integrated transport links, and modern amenities such as air concourses and improved station buildings.
The Minister also detailed a massive surge in the manufacturing of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which are known for their enhanced safety and passenger comfort. Between 2014 and 2025, production jumped more than 18-fold to 42,677 coaches, compared to just 2,337 coaches produced during the 2004–2014 period. This shift represents a significant move toward replacing older rolling stock with modern, crash-worthy technology across the national network.
On the front of safety and operational integrity, the report confirmed that all railway bridges undergo mandatory inspections twice every year—once before the monsoon and once after. Beyond structural safety, the Ministry has prioritized consumer protection by implementing digital measures to curb overcharging. This includes the deployment of POS machines for all transactions and sending SMS alerts to passengers with links to official menus and tariffs. The Minister also clarified that there is no separate cleanliness charge included in passenger fares, as hygiene maintenance at stations and on trains is covered by a dedicated internal budgetary provision.
Furthermore, the expansion of the “One Station One Product” (OSOP) scheme has reached 1,173 stations with over 1,228 outlets, providing a platform for local artisans and indigenous products. The Ministry has also focused on social inclusivity by allotting 11,650 commercial units and stalls to various categories, including those from SC, ST, and other marginalized communities. These combined efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the Indian Railways remains a safe, transparent, and economically inclusive lifeline for the nation.
