New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): Railway Minister Ashiwni Vaishnaw on Wednesday briefed about Railways operations in the Fiscal Year of 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the impact of the last decade of investment in the sector to benefit the poor and middle class of the country.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Railway operated a record 76,352 special trains in FY 2025-26, and 25,000 trains are running daily on the railway network.

'PM Narendra Modi has made a record budget allocation for the railway development across the country. Railway is the mode of commute for the poor and middle class. The benefits of investments in the last decade are reaching the poor and middle class across the country. In the financial year which completed yesterday, a record 76,352 special trains were run. 25,000 trains are running daily on the railway network,' Vaishnaw said.

The Railways also achieved a cargo transportation record of 1,670 million metric tons within the year. With 3.25 per cent more Freight loading than the previous year, Railways Carries Record 1670 million tonnes of cargo. Iron Ore Transportation goes up by 6.73 per cent and Cement by 3.41 per cent.

The Minister also noted that the last fiscal year recorded the lowest number of consequential accidents in 50 years, with only 16 consequential accidents being reported, marking a major safety milestone.

Earlier this week, Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, said that the Railways has initiated a comprehensive plan to establish dedicated passenger holding areas at 76 stations across India with all the latest amenities.

These zones are designed to decongest platforms by providing comfortable, organised spaces equipped with essential amenities such as seating, drinking water, toilets, ticketing facilities, information displays, and security checks to manage peak-hour footfall.

A model holding area at the New Delhi Railway Station has already been commissioned, significantly easing congestion. The facility enhances passenger convenience with an array of modern features, including additional ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), Public Address Systems (PAS), and electronic train information boards.

To ensure safety and comfort, the area is also equipped with CCTV surveillance, luggage scanners, door frame metal detectors (DFMDs), uninterrupted power supply, improved lighting, High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans, and fire-fighting systems. Amenities also include RO drinking water and separate toilets for men, women, and Divyangjans. (ANI)