Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal. (Burhaan Kinu/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)Union railways minister Piyush Goyal has stated that India will complete its railway electrification in the next four to five years, making it the only such large rail network in the world, reports IANS.
He noted that while 4,000 kilometres of railway tracks were electrified in 2018, the number is expected to increase to 6,000 kms this year. “Till five years ago, we used to be able to electrify only 600 km every year,” he said while addressing the audience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design.
More Savings
Though complete railway electrification will cost the government Rs 12,134 crore, it will lead to savings of Rs 13,510 crore per annum in fuel costs. Also, it will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuel, save foreign exchange and help prevent global warming.
“This will reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel and reduce costs for the Railways. Prime Minister wants to improve efficiency and by saving cost make Indian Railways profitable. This without burdening the passengers," Goyal had earlier stated.
Currently, around two-thirds of freight and more than half of passenger traffic in Indian Railways are transported by electric engines.
Also Read: How The Indian Railways’ Swachhta Revolution Is Unfolding
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.