Union Minister Ashwini Vasihnaw addressed to media on Budget highlights 2025-26 through video conference from New Delhi on February 3, 2025.

The main highlights are as under: -

In Budget 2025-26, the highest-ever capital allocation of Rs. 2.65 lakh crores have been alloted for Ministry of Railways. Immense thrust is given for development of infrastructure, modernization of stations and trains, enhancement of connectivity, safety and comfort for the passengers.

There has been a consistent increase in the average annual budget outlay for Railways in Karnataka. The allocation for the state of Karnataka for FY 2025-26 is ₹7,564 crore, which shows a increase from ₹7,559 crore allocated for FY 2024-25, reflecting the growing focus on enhancing railway infrastructure and services in the state.

Since 2014, an average of 150 kilometers of new tracks has been laid annually, a significant improvement compared to the average of 113 kilometers per year during 2009-2014. An average Electrification of 294 Rkms per year have been done during 2014-25 which is 16 times more than compared to the average of 18 Rkms per year during 2009-14. Electrification covering to 96.5% of Rkms have been done in Karnataka which includes the parts of SWR,SCR,SR, & CR. In Karnataka alone, a total of 1,652 kilometers of new tracks have been constructed, which is more than the entire railway network of Sri Lanka. Currently, 31 ongoing projects are in progress, adding 3,840 kilometers of new tracks with an investment of ₹47,016 crore.

Additionally, 61 Amrit stations are being developed with an investment of ₹1,981 crore to enhance passenger facilities. Tendering has also been initiated for the installation of the Kavach safety system across 1,672 route kilometers, against the initially sanctioned 1,703 kilometers across 132 stations in Karnataka. Since 2014, 644 rail flyovers and under-bridges have been constructed to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.

To enhance passenger amenities, 61 lifts and 43 escalators have been installed, and Wi-Fi has been provided at 335 stations. The state currently operates 10 Vande Bharat trains, covering 12 districts and 18 unique stoppages across Karnataka. Additionally, the Amrit Bharat Express, running between Malda Town and Bengaluru, serves one district and has a unique stoppage in Karnataka.

As part of ongoing infrastructure development, Tumakuru station will be redeveloped at a cost of ₹88 crore, with the tender opening scheduled for 31.03.2025. Other stations, including Yesvantpur and Bangalore Cantt., will also undergo redevelopment, with allocated budgets of ₹367 crore and ₹485 crore, respectively.

Looking ahead to FY 2025-26, a total capital expenditure of ₹2,65,200 crore has been earmarked for the Railways, a substantial increase compared to ₹45,900 crore allocated during the FY 2009-14 period. The construction of new railway lines will proceed at an accelerated pace, with a budget of ₹32,235.24 crore in FY 2025-26.

Additionally, ₹4,550 crore has been allocated for gauge conversion in FY 2025-26, Rolling stock has been capped at ₹57,693 crore for FY 2025-26. A major push is also being made for the doubling of tracks, with a marked budget of ₹32,000 crore in FY 2025-26.

In FY 2025-26, safety-related initiatives for the Railways will receive significant attention with a budget allocation of ₹1,16,514 crore. This includes critical projects such as track renewal, signaling upgrades, telecom improvements, and the construction of new railway points and crossings. Over the coming years, 1,000 Road Over Bridges (RoBs) and Road Under Bridges (RuBs) will be constructed to enhance connectivity and safety.

Additionally, the Railways will introduce 50 new Namo Bharat trains, each consisting of 16 coaches (both AC & Non AC Coaches). Furthermore, 100 Amrit Bharat trains(Non AC) will be launched, providing affordable and accessible travel options. A total of 200 Vande Bharat trains will also be introduced, further enhancing the high-speed travel network.

To accommodate more passengers, the Railways plans to manufacture 17,500 non-AC general coaches. Over the next five years, conventional ICF coaches will be replaced with LHB coaches, enhancing passenger safety. The first Vande Sleeper train is currently undergoing testing, and 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be manufactured between 2025-27, with a total of 200 rakes set to be produced.

The Press Conference is chaired by AGM/SWR and attended by PHoDs of other departments and also DRMs of Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi Divisions attended via video conference at their respective divisions.