Key Highlights from the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention:
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94% electrification, with complete electrification expected shortly
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India would achieve 100% electrification in the coming shortly, making it a global leader alongside Switzerland
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India working aggressively on net-zero goals
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Clean power and innovations like round-the-clock (RTC) storage
New Delhi:
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted its 11th Global Rail Convention at PHD House, August Kranti Marg, under the theme “Indian Railways – Journey towards Viksit Bharat through Innovation, Infrastructure, Investment & Industry Partnership.”
The event, which brought together prominent stakeholders, celebrated Indian Railways’ achievements and outlined ambitious plans to transform the sector into a global leader by 2040.
Dr. K. Laxman, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, emphasized the pivotal role Indian Railways will play in making India a $5 trillion economy.
“Indian Railways will spearhead development, with key projects like the Mumbai Bullet Train, 4,000 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, and significant investments of ₹10-12 lakh crore in infrastructure over the next five years,” he said.
Highlighting recent advancements, Dr. Laxman noted the achievement of 94% electrification, with complete electrification expected shortly.
As India accelerates its journey toward Viksit Bharat, the event reinforced Indian Railways’ role as a cornerstone of innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness
The convention witnessed robust discussions on modernizing India’s rail network. Mr. Arunendra Kumar, Chair of the PHDCCI Railways Committee and former Chairman of the Railway Board, underscored the sector’s transformation through technology, innovation, and infrastructure upgrades. “From Vande Bharat trains to hydrogen-powered trains and enhanced Kashmir connectivity, Indian Railways is central to the Viksit Bharat mission,” he remarked.
Adding insights, Dr. Jaideep Gupta, Additional Member (RE), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, announced that India would achieve 100% electrification in the coming months, making it a global leader alongside Switzerland. He also addressed India’s net-zero goals, emphasizing the importance of clean power and innovations like round-the-clock (RTC) storage.
Vijay Pratap Singh, Additional Member (Traction), Railway Board, detailed efforts to double freight capacity by 2030. “Sustainability is at the core of our strategy, with annual electrification investments of over ₹2.5 lakh crore. The transition to greener railways has already saved thousands of crores,” he shared.
The integration of AI-driven systems like Kavach and IoT-based smart mobility solutions was a recurring highlight. Mr. Sameer Dikshit, Additional Member (Telecom), Railway Board, applauded these innovations, noting, “Indian Railways is a catalyst for social inclusion and economic progress. AI and IoT adoption is driving a paradigm shift in the sector.”
Discussing economic contributions, Mukul Saran Mathur, Additional Member (Comml.), Railway Board, highlighted regional connectivity projects like Kashmir, the Northeast, and Char Dham. “Digital advancements, such as 88% e-ticketing and faster refund processing, showcase our commitment to passenger convenience,” he noted.
The convention concluded with the release of a knowledge report prepared by ICMAI and PHDCCI, followed by closing remarks from Mr. Rishabh Jain and Ranjan Dhingra, Co-Chairs of the PHDCCI Railways Committee.
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