Upgradation and expansion of railways

RAJYA SABHA

Upgradation and expansion of Indian Railways is an ongoing process. As on 01.04.1950, Indian Railways had 53,596 kilometres of route length consisting of 25,258 kilometres Broad Gauge, 24,185 kilometres Metre Gauge and 4153 kilometres of Narrow Gauge routes. The total Route Kilometre increased to 64015 kilometres on 31.3.2009. The Broad Gauge Network length increased to 52808 kilometres by 31.3.2009, by laying of new lines and large scale gauge conversion of existing metre and narrow gauge lines.

During 2004-05 to 2008-09, 1093 kilometre of new lines were laid. As on 01.04.2009, there are 109 new line ongoing projects which are in various stages of progress and on completion would add 11,985 kilometres of new Broad Gauge line.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

AKS/HK/LK/TR
(Release ID :58993)