Sunil Srivastava
Managing Director, Balaji Railroad System P Ltd
How do you look at the overall growth scenario of railway and metro rail sector in India?
India’s railway and metro rail sectors are poised for sustained growth, supported by government policies, technological advancements, and increased private sector participation. The overall growth scenario of the Railways and metro rail sector in India is dynamic and promising, driven by increasing urbanization, economic growth, and a strong focus on infrastructure development.
Indian Railways (IR) is undergoing rapid transformation with significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and passenger amenities. Projects like Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) and the introduction of semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat are reshaping operations. The involvement of private players through public-private partnerships in rolling stock manufacturing, and logistic terminals will unlock efficiency and innovation. IR is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the push for 100% electrification of broad-gauge routes and renewable energy adoption is enhancing sustainability.
With over 50% of India’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, metro rail is critical for sustainable urban mobility. India has over 850 km of operational metro rail and plans to expand it to more than 1,700 km in the next five years. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Tier-II cities are witnessing significant metro growth. Government initiatives like the Metro Rail Policy 2017 encourage private investment and innovative funding mechanisms, such as TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) and value capture financing.
However, there are few challenges which need to be tackled. Metro rail projects require significant capital investment, with a focus on optimizing costs and ensuring timely completion. Seamless integration of metro systems with other modes of transport and improving accessibility remains a priority. Developing skilled manpower to handle advanced technologies and operations is essential.
How are railway and metro rail infrastructure developments going to revolutionise the urban mobility in India?
Railway and metro rail infrastructure developments are set to revolutionize urban mobility in India by addressing key challenges such as congestion, pollution, and inefficiency in transportation systems.
The expansion and modernization of railway and metro infrastructure in India are not just transportation projects—they are the backbone of a broader urban revolution. By enabling efficient, inclusive, and sustainable mobility, these developments will pave the way for smarter, cleaner, and more connected cities, enhancing the quality of life for millions of urban dwellers.
The benefits of metro and railway developments are improved accessibility and connectivity, reduced congestion, boosting economic activity, sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
With metros and suburban rail systems offering high-capacity solutions, there is a significant shift from private vehicles to public transport, easing road congestion.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Urban planning around metro stations with residential, commercial, and retail spaces reduces the need for long-distance travel, further decongesting roads. Metro rail systems are providing efficient, reliable, and time-bound connectivity, drastically reducing travel time within cities. Projects like Metros, Suburban Rail and RRTS are extending connectivity to semi-urban and smaller towns, ensuring accessibility beyond city limits. Initiatives to integrate metro systems with buses, auto-rickshaws, and railways through common mobility cards and multimodal hubs are creating seamless end-to-end journeys.
What are the prevailing challenges in terms of modernisation and safety in railways?
The modernization and safety of Indian Railways face several challenges, despite the significant progress in infrastructure and technology upgrades. While Indian Railways has made significant strides in modernization and safety, addressing these challenges requires a multipronged approach involving technological innovation, enhanced funding, workforce development, and robust policymaking.
Modernization issues: A significant portion of the railway tracks and bridges are decades old and require urgent replacement or strengthening. Freight wagons are outdated, leading to inefficiency and higher maintenance costs.
The deployment of advanced technologies like CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control), AI-based predictive maintenance, and IoT-enabled systems is very slow. The adoption of digital platforms for operations, ticketing, and asset management is uneven across regions. Despite initiatives like Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), a significant volume of freight still moves by road due to logistical inefficiencies in rail freight handling.
Safety issues: A significant number of railway accidents, such as derailments and collisions, are attributed to human errors in signaling, track maintenance, and operations. Inadequate training of ground staff and loco pilots compounds the issue.
Track inspections are still largely manual, leading to delays in detecting faults. Despite efforts to eliminate unmanned level crossings, some still exist, causing accidents and delays. In spite of the ongoing upgrades, many areas still rely on outdated signaling systems, increasing the risk of accidents. Rollout of advanced technologies like Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Kavach (Indian safety system) faces delays.
Overcrowding in trains and stations increases risks of accidents, theft, and stampedes. Instances of fire outbreaks in coaches highlight the need for better fire detection and suppression systems.
What is your outlook on railways and mobility in the country?
India’s railways and mobility sectors are on the cusp of transformative growth, driven by ambitious government policies, technological advancements, and a strong focus on sustainability.
The future of railways and mobility in India is bright, driven by the twin pillars of innovation and sustainability. As Indian Railways evolves into a global leader in freight and passenger transport and urban transit systems redefine the way people move in cities, the sector is poised to contribute significantly to India’s economic growth, urban development, and environmental goals. By overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, India is set to establish a mobility ecosystem that is modern, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.
India's railways and urban mobility projects are increasingly aligning with global standards in safety, efficiency, and technology. This opens avenues for exporting expertise, collaborating internationally, and adopting best practices.
While the outlook is very promising there are also a few challenges on the path ahead.
• Funding: Massive investments are required to sustain the pace of modernization, and innovative financing mechanisms like PPPs and land monetization will be crucial.
• Sustainability: Balancing rapid urbanization with environmental conservation demands greener technologies and designs.
• Skilling the workforce: The adoption of cutting-edge technologies necessitates the continuous upskilling of railway and metro personnel.
• Resilience: Building disaster-resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change is becoming a critical priority.
