The article examines the role of modernization of the railway infrastructure of the Russian Federation as a key factor contributing to the sustainable development of the national economy and increasing its competitiveness in the global transport arena. Railway transport, being a fundamental element of the national transport system, has a significant impact on the economic development of the country and the maintenance of its territorial integrity. The paper analyzes the main directions of modernization, including digitalization of transport processes, renewal of rolling stock, improvement of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, as well as the development of international transport corridors. The article emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to infrastructure modernization to ensure its reliability and efficiency. Data on the development of railway infrastructure are presented and the results achieved are considered. The purpose of the article is to consider the role of the railway infrastructure modernization process as a key factor contributing to the support of the national economy and determining the main trends in the field of railway transportation.