Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has emerged as an important player in India’s infrastructure development, with an increasing role in delivering large-scale and technically complex projects. Over the years, RVNL has strengthened its project execution capabilities, while expanding its presence across railways and other infrastructure segments. In the company’s annual report for 2025-26, Saleem Ahmad, Chairman and Managing Director highlighted RVNL’s achievements and defined the priorities for the sector. Edited excerpts…
Over the past two decades, RVNL has built formidable institutional capability in developing complex rail infrastructure. Of particular note are the tunnels through the Himalayas, the bridges across the Ganga and the metro systems in major cities. The scale and impact of RVNL’s contribution are reflected in the following achievements:
- Commissioning and handing over 158 projects to Indian Railways (IR), covering new lines, gauge conversion, doubling railway electrification, workshop projects and other critical infrastructure.
- Creation of more than 17,000 km of rail infrastructure.
- Establishing benchmarks in the timely execution of iconic mega bridges, tunnels and metro projects.
RVNL’s capabilities and expanding footprint are further demonstrated by its 27 project implementation units operating at 23 locations.
Performance and progress
During 2025-26, RVNL commissioned and handed over 173.82 km of railway infrastructure to IR. The 150.28 km Phephna-Indara and Mau-Shahganj (excluding Indara-Mau) project was one of the key projects that was fully commissioned and handed over during the year. Others included the commissioning of the 43.26 km section of the Vizianagaram-Titlagarh Third Line Project; the 50.05 km section of the Vijayawada-Gudur Third Line with Radway Electrification; the 32.81 km section of the Bhatni-Aunrihar Doubling Project; the 18.51 km section of the Sonnagar-Patratu Third Line Project; the 12.53 km section of the Phephna-Indara and Mau-Shahganj Doubling Project; the 7.04 km section of the Angul-Sukinda New Line Project; the 5.1 km section of the Neora-Daniawan and Barbigha-Sheikhpura New Line Projects; the 3.05 km section of the Kharagpur-Adityapur Third Line Project; and the 1.5 km section of Dhuri Yard of the Rajpura-Bathinda Doubling Project. During the year, RVNL also commissioned 173.82 km of railway electrification, along with 4 traction substations, 8 switching posts and 12 SCADA systems. During 2026, RVNL commissioned new electronic interlocking systems and carried out alterations to existing systems at 48 railway stations. Meanwhile, seven major yard remodelling projects were completed at Jakhapura, Milavittan, Manoharpur, Tenali, Sambalpur, Mathura and Dhuri. The company also provided 2,195.7 km of fibre optic network and 6-quad cable network on Indian Railways.
Significant progress was achieved on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project in Uttarakhand, the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri project in Himachal Pradesh, the Indore-Budni New Line project in Madhya Pradesh and the Yavatmal-Nanded project in Maharashtra. During the year, RVNL completed 23 km of tunnel excavation. RVNL is implementing rail connectivity projects through five joint venture SPVs in partnership with stakeholders from the port and mining sectors, as well as state governments. RVNL has contributed equity of Rs 15.44 billion against which projects valued at Rs 129.94 billion have been commissioned. During 2025-26, SPVs handled 48,191 loaded rakes and 135.05 million tonnes of freight.
Manufacturing Vande Bharat train sets
RVNL has collaborated for the manufacture of 120 Vande Bharat train sets. Manufacturing activities for the first prototype are being progressively scaled up at the MRCF facility at Latur. The final painting work of Driving Trailer Coach 1 has been completed. For Driving Trailer Coach 2, welding work has been completed.
Expansion through open bidding
RVNL has successfully entered a new phase of growth by securing major projects through open competitive bidding. During the year, RVNL secured works worth Rs 57.78 billion through bidding, taking the cumulative value of work orders secured through bidding to Rs 599.87 billion. RVNL also entered into a strategic MoU with Texmaco Rail Engineering Limited to collaborate in rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance, metro coaches and train sets, EPC and allied infrastructure projects and technology-driven innovations. It also signed an MoU with the Goa government for collaboration in the identification and implementation of infrastructure projects, with RVNL acting as the project executing agency on mutually agreed terms and conditions. These projects are progressing well and reflect RVNL’s technical capabilities, resilience and adaptability. RVNL’s continued participation in open bidding will enable the company to scale greater heights and expand beyond its traditional areas of operation.
