Transforming the Landscape: Railway Projects and the Evolving Built Environment in India?

“A train is a small world moving through a larger world and the railway station is a crossroads of dreams and aspirations.” Dr Anil Kashyap puts it as planning and infrastructure academic in cities.

The built environment in India is a dynamic testament to the country's progress and transformation over time. The Railway projects undertaken by the Indian Government has paved the way for its development in this sector.?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budgetary allocation of over Rs 5 trillion on February 1, 2023, highlighted railways and roads. The Ministry of Railways received a substantial 51% boost to Rs 2.40 trillion, while the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) saw a 38% rise to Rs 2.58 trillion, aligned with the goal of constructing 25,000 km of highways by FY 2023-2024's end.??

Apart from that, a historic 33% increase in infrastructure investment capital to Rs. 10 lakh crores (3.3% of GDP) for 2023-24 promises robust economic growth and jobs for India's 18 to 35-year-old workforce. This evolution mirrors India's ascent as a global economic powerhouse. The built environment is where the development of urban areas, the expansion of industries, along the demand for environmental sustainability all converge.?

As India advances as a global economic powerhouse, it is critical to examine how its built environment has evolved and adapted to meet the demands of a growing population and a thriving economy.??

The Railway Revolution?

The introduction of railways in India was a watershed moment in the country's history. Railways played a critical role in connecting distant regions and fostering economic growth, as evidenced by their historical significance. The first passenger train, which was introduced in 1853 between Mumbai and Thane during British colonial rule, signalled the start of a revolution in transportation.?

Modernisation efforts have further transformed India's railway sector, having a significant impact on the built environment. Launching large-scale initiatives like Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has improved safety and increased passenger services while also improving freight transportation efficiency, which has freed up capacity on the existing rail networks for other types of traffic and allowed for the implementation of ambitious projects like these.?

The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, which connects Delhi to Mumbai, and the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, which connects Ludhiana to Dankuni, demonstrate logistics transformation by reducing transit time and fuel consumption while increasing economic activity along the corridor.??

Infrastructure and its Role in the Economy?

Infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in India's economy by driving growth across sectors. Improved transportation, energy, and communication networks enhance productivity, attract investments, and create jobs. A robust infrastructure backbone enables efficient resource utilisation and connects remote areas to markets, reducing regional disparities. It promotes innovation and increased global competitiveness, making India a desirable location for businesses and investors.??

Additionally, robust infrastructure enhances overall quality of life, fostering social progress and well-being. India's extensive railway network is a cornerstone of affordable nationwide transportation, ranking among the world's largest with 7,216 stations, 92,000 kilometres of tracks, and a 1.3 million-strong workforce. In the fiscal year 2017–18, Indian Railways efficiently transported over eight billion passengers and more than one billion tonnes of freight.?

However, this immense network faces formidable challenges, including severe capacity limitations and safety concerns.?

Current Initiatives by Indian Railways?

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme:?

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme focuses on the modernisation of 1275 railway stations across the Indian Railways network. It entails:?

• Scope: Enhancing 18 stations in Sonpur Division and 20 in Samastipur Division.?
• Long-term Vision: Develop stations over time through master plans and phased execution.?
• Facility Upgrades: Improving station accessibility, waiting areas, restrooms, installing lifts and escalators, enhancing cleanliness, providing free Wi-Fi, establishing local product kiosks, and upgrading passenger information systems.?
• Amenities: Creating executive lounges, dedicated business meeting spaces, and landscaping.?
• Integration: Connecting stations with adjacent urban areas, promoting multimodal connectivity, and ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.?
• Sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly solutions, introducing ballastless tracks, and considering 'Roof Plazas' based on feasibility.?

Vande Bharat Express:?

India's semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, debuted on February 15, 2019. With Vande Bharat Express, the goal was to speed up travel, enhance passenger comfort, and provide cutting-edge amenities. It served as a symbol of India's progress in developing indigenous technology and promoting 'Make in India' initiatives, showcasing the nation's capability to manufacture advanced train sets.?

• Upgraded Sleeper Coaches: Indian Railways is set to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains, with the first train slated for March 2024. These high-speed sleeper trains will allow passengers to cover long distances comfortably overnight.?
• Vande Metro for Short-distance Travel: In addition to sleeper trains, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is developing Vande Metro, a 12-coach train designed for short-distance travel. It is expected to be operational by January 2024.?
• Revolutionary Vande Bharat Express: The Vande Bharat Express, India's semi-high-speed train, has transformed rail travel across electrified states. With 50 operational services, it offers modern amenities and reduced travel times. It was inaugurated in February 2019, connecting New Delhi and Varanasi, and is manufactured at the ICF Chennai.?
• Swift Indigenous Production: The project to create indigenous semi-high-speed train sets began in mid-2017, and within 18 months, the ICF Chennai delivered Train-18. Renamed Vande Bharat Express in January 2019, it underscores its 'Made in India' status and achieved speeds of up to 180 kmph on the Kota-Sawai Madhopur route.?

Challenges and Solutions?

India's infrastructure faces several challenges; a few of them are:??

• Capacity constraints: The extensive railway network grapples with capacity limitations in major corridors due to surging passenger and cargo demands.?
• Lack of accountability by city authorities: Most authoritative figures are elected by the municipal body, usually for only one year, and do not have sufficient authority to direct efforts towards a common goal.?
• Financing challenges: Although the introduction of new value capture mechanisms is beneficial, the constrained ability of Indian cities to issue bonds, coupled with the absence of a robust municipal bond market, presents challenges in mobilising substantial infrastructure funding. Consequently, international funding channels and alternative mechanisms play a pivotal role in facilitating significant infrastructure development projects in India.?
• Safety concerns: Safety issues, including accidents and derailments, pose significant challenges to railway projects.?

Solutions:??

• Modernisation: The incorporation of advanced signalling systems, high-speed rail technologies, and station redevelopment schemes is essential to increase capacity and improve safety.?
• Digital Solutions: Utilising digital platforms for ticketing, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance to enhance operational efficiency and safety.?

The Future of Railways?

To improve and expand the rail network, revitalise the rolling stock, and strengthen passenger safety, the Ministry of Railways has set forth ambitious plans. For the following five years, an estimated $170 billion in investment is planned, with a sizable portion going towards network growth, traffic jam relief, and safety improvements. Additionally, investments are earmarked for station redevelopment and the creation of a dedicated freight corridor spanning from Delhi to Mumbai.?

The Government of India is actively pursuing greater private-sector involvement in railway development. Initiatives include permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in railways for various projects such as suburban corridor development, high-speed trains, railway electrification, and signalling, among others. To attract long-term investments from global institutional investors, innovative investment vehicles like the Railways of India Development Fund are being encouraged. These endeavours aim to bolster the growth and modernisation of India's iconic railway system.?

NICMAR and its Contribution to the Development of the Indian Economy?

The National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR) is a prestigious institution dedicated to construction management and research in India. NICMAR, which was founded in 1983, provides specialised training in a number of construction-related fields, such as project management, real estate management, and infrastructure management. It fosters innovation and excellence in the built environment by providing students with the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in the construction industry. NICMAR plays a pivotal role in developing skilled professionals for the construction and real estate sectors.?

NICMAR significantly contributes to India's economic growth by providing specialised education and training in construction management and research. Its programs produce a skilled workforce well-versed in the intricacies of the construction industry, from project management to infrastructure development. These professionals, upon graduation, actively participate in the country's infrastructure projects, real estate ventures, and urban development initiatives. NICMAR's role in producing competent talent aligns with India's growth ambitions, ensuring that the construction sector remains robust and contributes substantially to the nation's economic development.?

Bottomline?

The nation's remarkable growth trajectory is highlighted by our examination of India's dynamic built environment, with a special emphasis on its game-changing railway projects. This remarkable journey has been made possible by the historical importance of railroads, ongoing modernisation initiatives, and the crucial function of transportation infrastructure. As India moves forward, it is critical to recognise and value the monumental impact of these projects on connectivity and economic development.?This vision includes sustainable practices, innovative technology, and strategic partnerships that all work together to make India more interconnected and prosperous.?

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