The Indian Railways, in its way of journey towards progress of the nation, created new milestones in infrastructure creation in 2016-17. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Railways headed by Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Railways added various significant infrastructure creations pertaining to different aspects during the financial year to meet the demands of rail traffic on its network.
Since the formation of network in the country, the Indian Railways registered the highest-ever expansion by adding 2,855 km of new lines, gauge conversion and commissioning of doubling works in the year which have taken rapid strides to cross the new milestones which include commissioning of 953 km of new railway lines. The North East Region was converted into broad gauge completely.
In terms of electrification of railway networks, altogether 2,013 km of electrification was completed against a target of 2,000 km set for the year which is the highest ever achieved by the Indian Railways for any fiscal. Aspects relating to safety to rail and road users were also taken up in 2016-17. As many as 1,503 unmanned level crossings were eliminated during the year which is the highest for any year. A total 1,306 road over-bridges and subways were completed by creating another record for any year. Altogether, 484 manned level crossings were also eliminated by means of construction of road over-bridges and subways. In terms of rehabilitating old bridges to strengthen and enhance their life span and safety, 750 such identified bridges were rehabilitated during the year.
To enhance the growth of freight traffic, the Railways commissioned 45 freight terminals in 2016-17 against the average of 27 freight terminals being commissioned per year. Due to the efforts and new policy making by the Railway Board, this was synergided to bear success; and a new record number of freight terminals were made operational.
Besides, rolling stocks like manufacturing of locomotives and passenger coaches also showed a significant jump. A total 4,280 passenger coaches were manufactured in 2016-17 against 3,978 in previous year. Similarly, 658 locomotives were manufactured against 621 in 2015-16. To achieve the need and growth in freight and passenger transportation, infrastructure creation in the Railways was very much essential. Due to the liberalised and innovative policy of the Railway Ministry and involvement of public-private partnership, these significant achievements were created.