Over the past decade, Indian Railways has undertaken large-scale upgradation of tracks to enhance speed potential. Key improvements include 60 kg rails, wider concrete sleepers, long welded rails, H-beam sleepers, and modern maintenance machinery.
As a result, the track length supporting higher speeds has increased significantly between 2014 and 2025:
| Sectional Speed (kmph) | 2014 (Track Km) | % | 2025 (Track Km) | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below 110 | 47,897 | 60.4 | 22,862 | 21.6 |
| 110–130 | 26,409 | 33.3 | 59,800 | 56.6 |
| 130 & above | 5,036 | 6.3 | 23,010 | 21.8 |
| Total | 79,342 | 100 | 1,05,672 | 100 |
The Vande Bharat trains, operating at up to 160 kmph, reflect these improvements. The prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has been manufactured and is currently undergoing commissioning after successful field trials.
