Govt working on converting entire rail network into broad gauge in 5 years

Converting the entire network of rail tracks into broad gauge and installing bio-toilets in all trains are among the ambitious projects being implemented to make the railways a major engine of the country's growth.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, who stated this in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, also informed about a proposal to lay separate rail lines for freight trains and a move to lay at least 10 km track per day.

Insisting that passenger safety is a major priority, he said the latest technology is being introduced and the government was working on removing all unmaned level crossings across the country.

Investment in railways has declined over the years compared to the road sector in India while it has gone up significantly in countries like China, he said, adding a "clear cut roadmap" has been prepared under which Rs 8.5 lakh crore of investment has been planned in the next five years to make the network one of the best in the world.