The Ministry of Railways has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda, “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks”, aimed at driving comprehensive, system-wide improvements in efficiency, governance, and passenger services across Indian Railways.
The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Union Ministers of State V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh, Railway Board Chairman & CEO Satish Kumar, and other senior officials. The meeting set the tone for the new year, emphasizing the commitment to implement one major reform each week.
Focus on Safety
Safety remains the cornerstone of the reform plan. Train accidents have dropped nearly 90% over the past decade, from 135 incidents in 2014–15 to just 11 in 2025–26. The ministry aims to further reduce this to single digits, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to accidents.
AI and Technology Integration
The reforms prioritize accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. These will support predictive maintenance, improved safety monitoring, operational efficiency, and smarter decision-making across railway operations.
Talent Management and Workforce Upskilling
Recognizing the importance of human capital, the ministry is introducing modern training methods and continuous skill development programs to prepare the workforce for emerging technologies and operational challenges.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
Passenger services will see significant improvements through reforms in food quality, catering systems, and onboard services, ensuring better hygiene, taste, accountability, and consistent service standards across trains and stations.
Infrastructure and Capacity Development
Officials reviewed ongoing initiatives related to infrastructure expansion, asset maintenance, and capacity enhancement, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening the railway network.
The “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative represents a focused, time-bound strategy to deliver safer, smarter, and more passenger-centric rail services while improving governance and operational efficiency across one of the world’s largest railway systems.
