India has achieved a remarkable milestone by developing the world’s largest electrified railway network. With 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge track network, India stands out as a global leader, trailing only behind Switzerland, which boasts 100% railway electrification but on a smaller scale. This information was shared by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha.
The electrification of India’s railway network has surpassed that of major countries like China (82%), Spain (67%), Japan (64%), France (60%), and the United Kingdom (39%). Indian Railways has embarked on one of the most rapid railway electrification programs globally, opting to electrify its entire broad gauge network rather than focusing solely on busy passenger and freight corridors.
Under a mission-oriented approach, Indian Railways has electrified a substantial 48,072 route km between 2014 and 2026, marking a significant acceleration compared to the 21,801 route km electrified in the preceding 60 years. This strategic move not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also leads to a decrease in diesel consumption, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
The reduction in diesel consumption for railway traction purposes has been substantial, plummeting from 293 crore litres in 2015-16 to 108 crore litres in 2024-25. This shift has not only saved precious foreign exchange but also contributed to a notable decrease in carbon emissions. Additionally, Indian Railways has commissioned over 1,260 MW of solar and wind power capacity to support environmentally friendly operations, promoting cleaner mobility and significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The electrification of railways in India has proven to be highly conducive to integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power into traction power systems, making it an efficient mode of transport that maximizes the utilization of renewable electricity. By emphasizing sustainable operations through extensive railway electrification and the utilization of renewable energy sources, Indian Railways is actively contributing to reducing its carbon footprint.
