In Indian Railways, Meter gauge and narrow gauge tracks are converted to broad gauge mainly because to speed up existing trains, modernization, upgrading, operational cost reason
The following reasons are
1. railways main goal is to increase the train speed and upgrade Old track into new tracks, by upgrading into broad gauges, trains can run upto 100–110 kmph, it will support higher speed in broad gauge (1,676 mm) than a meter and narrow gauge
Smoother goods transportation.
Imagine, in 2026 if all trains tracks were Meter gauge, then Indian railways won't be able to run high speeds trains like Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express as a part of semi-high speed technology
2. To Avoid multiple track gauge at several stations, Converting to broad gauge allows trains to run seamlessly across routes without the need for changing trains for passengers or goods needing to change gauge changing station
Example:- Kalka Railway Station where broad gauge and narrow gauges meets
3. To reduce operational cost, maintaining multiple track requires special maintenance, checkup which is hectic for track workers, requires separate locomotives, coaches, workshops, inspection and spare parts.
By maintaining only broad gauge tracks reduce these cost.
4. Fuel Efficiency is also reason, by eliminating Diesel locos in meter & narrow gauge, Indian railways able to run electric locos high speed by upgrading into broad gauge task,
As part of 100% electrification, project, in meter gauge and narrow gauge is not practical, inefficient, so broad gauge tracks support over all
5. Now Indian railways shifting to LHB coaches which is much safer than ICF, Meter Gauge trains, so wider tracks provide better stability especially at higher speeds, Meter Gauge trains having speed limit, very slow.
However not all meter gauge and narrow gauges tracks meant to be phased out, they will be preserved for tourism purpose historical, and
Meter gauge trains still operational especially Gir forest route Veravel-Delvada
about Narrow Gauge trains, converting into broad gauge from Narrow Gauge is very difficult due to extreme ghat section up and down gradient, less space for electrification and emotional feelings for Railfans community and passenger association
So as a memory, they will be preserved,
Some of these narrow-gauge railway routes have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Example routes:-
- Darjeeling Toy Train
- Kalka-Shimla Route
- Neral-Matheran Route
- Nilgiri route (Tamilnadu)