Union Budget 2026-27 shows expansion advances, safety retreats persist

Reforms for new world order Expansion advances, safety retreats

Challenges 

• The share of safety capex in the Indian Railways’ total capex in FY27 (BE) is only half of what it was in FY19, posing a significant challenge for the Railways to address. 
• Investment in public- sector undertakings has been sidelined, reflecting a shift in focus away from state-backed enterprises

 

Takeaways 

• Seven high-speed railway corridors are proposed to be built across cities, with railway safety capex growing 155 per cent from FY19 to FY27 (BE) 
• Rolling stock has been the prime focus of railway capex, receiving a one- quarter share from FY25 to FY27 (BE)