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99 percent of the broad gauge network of Indian Railways has been made electric. Railways gave this information on Sunday. India’s largest employer says that 33000 km of rail network has been electrified within 6 years.
New Delhi. Indian Railways has come very close to its biggest and long-standing mission. More than 99 percent of the country’s total broad gauge rail network has now become electric and the work on the remaining section is also going to be completed soon. According to the Railway Ministry, this change is not only increasing the speed and reliability of trains, but is also being considered a big step from the environment point of view. In a country which runs the world’s busiest rail network, electrification on such a large scale is a record in itself. Railways says that in the coming time, India will join the countries with the world’s largest fully electric rail system.
According to the Railway Ministry, more than 33,000 route kilometers of rail lines have been electrified between 2019 and 2025. On an average, more than 15 kilometers of track was electrified every day. This distance is said to be almost equal to the entire railway network of Germany. This figure shows how Indian Railways achieved such a huge target through clear planning and consistent execution. Many developed countries still remain dependent on diesel engines, whereas India changed its direction in time.
Diesel consumption decreased, expenses also decreased
The direct benefit of electrification is visible in the form of reduction in diesel consumption. This has not only reduced the expenditure on fuel, but has also resulted in a major reduction in carbon emissions. Electric trains have made operations cheaper, faster and more reliable. Railways believes that this change has proved to be a game changer for everything from long distance trains to local and goods trains.
Railways towards net zero target
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament that Railways is gradually moving towards meeting its traction power needs with renewable energy. For this, a combination of solar, wind and other sources is being used. By November 2025, about 812 MW solar and 93 MW wind power plants are meeting the needs of the Railways. Apart from this, 100 MW round the clock renewable electricity has also started being available.
Further preparation and big planning
Railways has also planned to add 1,500 MW of renewable energy under the round the clock model. This includes a combination of solar, wind and storage, so that electricity remains available without interruption. Along with this, Railways is also making electric engines with modern three phase IGBT technology. These have the ability to reuse energy during braking, making these engines more energy efficient.
Passengers will get direct benefit
With the entire network being electric, passengers will get more punctual, faster and cleaner train service. At the same time, the aim of Railways will move forward strongly towards net zero carbon emissions. This transformation of Indian Railways shows that if even big systems work in the right direction, both environment and development can be taken together.
