During the Budget speech, Arun Jaitley explained that the Government proposes a Rs. 1. 48 lakh crore capital expenditure for the Indian Railways. He said, “Railways capex for 2018-19 has been pegged at Rs 1,48,528 crore.” The Finance Minister added that the Government has been focusing on enhancing the carrying capacity of the public transport. “A large part of the capex is devoted to railways capacity creation.” Jaitley said.
He further added, “Doubling of 18,000 Km and work on 5,000 Km of third and fourth lines to convert them into broad gauge will eliminate capacity constraint. It will also transform almost the entire network into broad gauge.” Jaitley stated the plan is to get optimal electrification of the Indian Railways network. He further explained the target of 4,000 Km will be commissioned in 2018 and 2019.
He said, “We are moving fast towards optimal electrification of the Indian Railways network. A total of 4,000 km targeted for commissioning in 2018 and 2019.” The Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors are also in the process. The Minister announced that 12,000 wagons, 5,160 coaches and 700 locomotives are being purchased.
In the next two years, 4,267 unmanned level crossings will be eliminated. Railway stations and trains will have WiFi. The Minister announced that 150 Km long suburban corridors are also in the plan. The Government has planned to allocate Rs. 17,000 crores for the Bengaluru Metro and Rs. 11,000 crores for the Mumbai suburban railways.
