Indian Railways to invest $19,542 crore in freight corridors, HSR, station upgrade by 2031: Report
New Delhi : Indian Railways (IR) has planned a massive investment of Rs 16.7 lakh crore by 2031 for various infrastructure projects, as per a report by ICICI Securities.
According to the report, this investment will focus on station upgrades, freight corridors, high-speed rail (HSR) projects, and electrification of tracks to enhance railway operations.
The report said, "IR plans to invest approx. INR 16.7trn by 2031 in freight corridors, HSR, and station upgrades. Key projects include redeveloping 1,309 stations and expanding DFCs".
It highlighted that IR is prioritizing the redevelopment of 1,309 railway stations and the expansion of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs). Private sector participation is also increasing, with major companies like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) securing significant contracts for these projects.
A key objective of this investment is to improve railway speed and efficiency. The government is focusing on the development of new HSR corridors and additional DFCs to enhance logistics and reduce transportation costs.
Two DFCs--Eastern and Western--have already been completed, while three more are in the pipeline. These new corridors aim to make goods transportation more efficient and cost-effective. Regarding high-speed rail projects, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is already underway.
Additionally, the government has planned seven more HSR corridors, though their implementation may take time. The report suggests that immediate opportunities in this segment remain limited.
The budget allocation for Indian Railways has been increasing steadily. The outlay has grown from Rs 1.55 trillion in FY21 to an estimated Rs 2.65 trillion in FY25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14 per cent over the period. The redevelopment of railway stations is a major part of this plan.
The government has chosen the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) route for station upgrades. As of February 2024, work has begun on 508 stations, while the remaining stations are yet to enter the construction phase. In the same month, the government also laid the foundation for the redevelopment of 553 railway stations, presenting a business opportunity worth Rs 190 billion.
However, the report noted that major station redevelopment contracts were already awarded in the past 2-3 years.
It said "given the fact that the big stations (in terms of size) for redevelopment have been awarded in the past two to three years, we expect limited opportunity ahead."
This massive investment plan is expected to significantly modernize Indian Railways, enhance passenger experience, and improve freight transportation efficiency in the coming years.
© Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Arabian Post
Empowering Startups Through Ownership-Preserving Capital
Startups across India are increasingly turning to non-dilutive funding options to secure capital while retaining full ownership and control. This shift is driven by a desire to avoid the equity dilution often associated with traditional venture capital, especially amid fluctuating valuations and heightened investor scrutiny. Non-dilutive funding encompasses various financial instruments, including venture debt, revenue-based financing, and government grants. These options provide startups with the necessary capital without requiring them to relinquish equity stakes. For instance, venture debt has gained significant traction in India, with funding reaching $1.2 billion in 2023, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the rising popularity of debt instruments that allow startups to scale operations without compromising ownership. Platforms like Debtworks have emerged to facilitate access to such funding. Based in Bengaluru, Debtworks offers tailored debt solutions, enabling startups to raise capital swiftly without equity dilution. Their approach includes rapid disbursement and personalized financing strategies, catering to the unique needs of each business. ADVERTISEMENT Similarly, Efficient Capital Labs provides revenue-based financing, offering up to INR 2 crore to startups, particularly in the AI and SaaS sectors. This model allows companies to receive funding based on their annual recurring revenue, ensuring that founders maintain full control over their businesses. Government initiatives also play a pivotal role in supporting non-dilutive funding. The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme provides grants up to ₹20 lakh for proof-of-concept and up to ₹50 lakh for market entry, targeting startups in Tier II and III cities. Additionally, the Genesis Fund, with a corpus of ₹490 crore, aims to support 1,600 tech startups, fostering inclusive and sustainable innovation. In the private sector, HSBC's plans to establish a venture debt fund in India signify growing interest in non-dilutive financing options. This move is expected to provide startups with alternative funding avenues, reducing reliance on equity-based investments. Initiatives like the 'Startup Innovations for Social Good' program by IIT-Kanpur and SBI Foundation offer structured incubation and mentorship to 30 startups in sectors like AgriTech, Healthcare, and CleanTech. Such programs provide non-dilutive support, enabling startups to focus on innovation without the pressure of equity dilution. The trend towards non-dilutive funding is further exemplified by the success of companies like Grammarly, which raised $1 billion through revenue-based financing without giving up equity. This approach underscores the viability of alternative funding models that preserve founder ownership while supporting substantial growth.
What's On
02-06-2025
- What's On
Get a major beverage upgrade with African+Eastern's online shop
Sponsored: Online shopping never felt better… African+Eastern has launched its brand-new online shopping site, along with a sleek mobile app now available on the App Store and Google Play — and your weekend plans just got easier. The website offers a serious upgrade to your shopping experience, being bigger, better, faster and more convenient and even offers personalised recommendations to shoppers. Whether you're hosting, gifting, or just topping up your home collection, the new African+Eastern UAE app makes browsing and ordering smoother than ever. You can now shop by brand, mood or occasion, across three categories – spirits, beer, and wines -and the best part? Your order can land on your doorstep in 2 hours or less thanks to the express delivery service. Shoppers will also get great deals and offers for a rewarding shopping experience. Not in a rush? Opt for Click & Collect, currently available at 14 neighbourhood stores, with more being added every week — perfect for last-minute pick-ups on your way home. What's On readers get an exclusive deal: use code WD10 on the app or website to get an extra 10 per cent off your order. They also have real-time inventory updates, so you'll know exactly what is available. Need a valid license to buy? No problem. Getting or renewing your FREE license is now easier than ever. Just download the LicenseDXB app or visit — all you need is your Emirates ID if you're a resident, or passport details if you're a tourist. Fast, flexible and totally user-friendly, this is your new go-to for beverage shopping in the UAE. African + Eastern is the Middle East's top beverage distributor, trusted by the region's leading hotels, restaurants, and hospitality chains. With 45 retail stores across the UAE (including 34 in Dubai, 10 in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and one in Ras Al Khaimah) and five in Oman, they offer an impressive range of popular and rare beverages. Committed to authenticity and quality, African + Eastern ensures customers receive genuine products at great value. Shoppers can enjoy everyday low prices, monthly deals, and special price drops, making it easy to save while stocking up on favorites or trying something new. available on Apple and Google Play Stores, code: WD10 for 10 per cent off, express delivery, within 2 hours, click and collect available, Images: Supplied
Gulf Today
30-05-2025
- Gulf Today
SEBI bans Bollywood star Arshad Warsi, wife, 57 others from securities markets for up to 5 years
Markets regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Thursday barred Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti, and 57 others from the securities markets for periods ranging from 1-5 years. The regulator imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh each on Warsi and his wife, Maria. The decision came in a case related to misleading videos on YouTube channels recommending investors to buy shares of Sadhana Broadcast. SEBI found that Arshad Warsi had made a profit of Rs41.70 lakh and his wife earned a profit of Rs50.35 lakh. "It is noted that Arshad Hussain Warsi in his statement recorded before SEBI on June 27, 2023, stated that apart from placing trades in his own account, he was also trading from the accounts of his wife (Noticee 61) and brother (Noticee 62). It is further noted from the submissions of Noticee 60 that Aahuti Mistry acted as the manager of Arshad Warsi,' according to the SEBI order. SEBI also levied penalties in the range of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 5 crore on 57 other entities, including promoters of Sadhana Broadcast (now Crystal Business System Ltd). Apart from the debarment, SEBI also directed these entities to disgorge total unlawful gains of Rs 58.01 crore along with 12% interest per annum from the end of the investigation period till the date of actual payment. The capital markets regulator said the masterminds behind this whole operation were Gaurav Gupta, Rakesh Kumar Gupta and Manish Mishra. Subhash Aggarwal, who also happened to be a director of the RTA of Sadhana Broadcast Ltd, acted as the go-between Manish Mishra and the promoters, the order stated. SEBI received complaints, alleging that there was price manipulation and subsequent offloading of shares in the scrip of SBL. It was also stated in the complaints that YouTube videos were being uploaded with false content to lure investors and a paid marketing campaign worth crores was undertaken to make the videos reach a wider audience. The complainant also provided links to YouTube videos, names of YouTube channels and dates when the videos were uploaded. SEBI examined the complaints and prima facie found that net sellers in the shares of SBL were connected to the creator of YouTube channels, wherein videos with false content and unrealistic target price for the scrip were uploaded with the intention to influence and induce public investors to invest in the scrip. "Search and seizure operations were conducted at the premises of 15 Noticees wherein various documentary and electronic evidences were gathered and statements of various Noticees were recorded on oath," according to the markets regulator. Indo-Asian News Service
