Indian Railways Fast-Tracks Track, Coach Upgrades in Jammu & Kashmir: AI, Modern Machinery to Enhance Safety, Comfort
New Delhi, July 27: The Ministry of Railways has announced a series of rapid advancements in railway infrastructure and coach upgradation in Jammu & Kashmir, following the operationalization of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link in June 2025. These developments, the ministry stated in a media release on Sunday, mark a historic leap in improving connectivity, safety, and passenger comfort in the region.
According to the ministry, the new railway link has enabled for the first time the deployment of track maintenance machinery in the Kashmir Valley, replacing earlier manual practices. This shift is said to be delivering significant improvements in track quality and operational safety.
AI and Machinery to Drive Safer Tracks
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the ministry’s focus on improving track quality through the adoption of advanced technologies, including the use of AI-based defect detection, ultrasound fracture detection machines, and integrated track measurement systems.
“These technological changes will substantially improve the working conditions for track maintenance staff and ensure scientific maintenance,” the minister was quoted as saying.
As part of the maintenance efforts, the ministry reported:
- Deployment of one tamping machine, which has already tamped 88 km of track to improve alignment and stability.
- Use of four Ballast Cleaning Machines (BCMs) which have deep-screened nearly 14 km of track, resulting in safer operations.
- Delivery of 17 ballast rakes to the valley for track reinforcement, completing 19,000 cubic meters of ballasting.
- Track quality assessments through Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs conducted in June and July 2025.
Coach Overhauling in Full Swing
The ministry also announced a major overhaul of DEMU and MEMU coaches operating in the valley. Previously, due to the lack of a direct railway connection, coach maintenance was done inefficiently via road transport. Now, the rakes are being brought to Lucknow, Charbagh, and Jalandhar workshops for Periodic Overhauling (POH) via rail.
The ministry confirmed:
- One MEMU rake has already been refurbished and is back in service.
- Another MEMU rake’s POH is expected to be completed by end of July 2025.
- Two DEMU rakes are undergoing POH, with one expected to be ready by mid-August and another by end of July.
- Four more DEMU rakes have been scheduled for upgradation.
Upgraded Amenities for Passengers
The upgraded coaches will feature:
- Exterior PU painting with anti-graffiti coating
- Bio-toilets, new water pumps, and improved ventilation systems
- Polycarbonate seating, PVC flooring renewal, and hopper-type windows
- Modular switches, mobile charging sockets with overload protection, and enhanced lighting and fans
- Revamped Public Address and Passenger Information Systems
The ministry has set a target of August 31, 2025, to complete the upgradation of all passenger coaches in operation in the Kashmir Valley.
Track Modernization Across India
Highlighting nationwide progress, the Ministry of Railways stated that 78% of India’s rail tracks now support speeds of 110 kmph or more, compared to just 39% in 2014. The total track length has also increased from 79,342 km in 2014 to over 1 lakh km in 2025, reflecting a decade of consistent expansion and modernization.
With these developments, the ministry affirmed its vision of making Indian Railways not just the “lifeline of the nation” but a backbone of progress for Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing both national integration and regional upliftment.
