NEW DELHI: In the Budget, Rs2.652 lakh crore has been allotted for the capital expenditure (capex) of the Railways, compared to the revised estimate of Rs2.6 lakh crore in last year’s budget.
The operating ratio is targeted at 98.22 per cent for the current financial year, compared to the revised estimate of 98.65 per cent in 2023-24. In other words, the Railways will spend ₹98.22 for every ₹100 it earns.
This allocation for capital expenditure is a record amount, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In addition to the budgetary allocation, internal resources will also be invested in asset expansion.
Kavach project
Of the capital expenditure, nearly Rs1.08 lakh crore will be allocated for safety-related projects and works like Kavach, as well as the repairing and overhauling of old lines.
The Minister emphasised that Kavach will be a major part of the safety allocation this year.
The net revenue expenditure of the Railways is estimated at Rs2.79 lakh crore in the Budget for 2025, compared to the revised estimate of Rs2.59 lakh crore for 2023-24, marking an 8 per cent increase.
Although the Railway budget is part of the main Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not mention it in her speech.
