Indian Railways has repaired, rehabilitated, strengthened, or rebuilt 8,626 railway bridges between 2022 and December 2025, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.
The update came in response to a question on the structural safety of old and dilapidated railway bridges, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce critical transport infrastructure.
Vaishnaw stated that safety of bridges is accorded high priority by Indian Railways, supported by a well-established inspection mechanism.
All bridges are inspected twice annually-once before the onset of the monsoon and again through a detailed post-monsoon review.
“Repair/Strengthening/Rehabilitation/Rebuilding of bridges is a continuous and ongoing process and is undertaken based on inspections of bridges. During 2022-2025 (upto Dec’2025), 8,626 nos of railway bridges have been repaired / rehabilitated / strengthened / rebuild in Indian Railways,” the minister stated.
Comprehensive technical inspections of important and major bridges are structured so that about 20 per cent undergo annual checks depending on their condition Attached.
Special technical audits are conducted where required, followed by corrective action.
Subways and Road Under Bridges are inspected before and after the monsoon, with steps such as improved drainage systems, diversion of water to natural channels, sealing of joints, and installation of high-capacity pumps to reduce waterlogging risks.
Bridge rehabilitation is carried out in accordance with the Indian Railway Bridge Manual, with adherence to quality assurance and inspection protocols ensured through contract management provisions.
Accountability measures include retention of security deposits till the defect liability period and penal provisions such as contract termination.
