Indian Railways Electrifies 98 Per Cent of Broad Gauge Network, Nearing Full Coverage

Indian Railways has successfully electrified 98 per cent of its broad gauge network under the National Electrification Project, marking significant progress in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enhancing operational efficiency.

Since 2014, the railway system has electrified 45,922 kilometers, more than doubling the 21,801 kilometers electrified in the previous six decades, according to the information provided by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha on Wednesday (26 March).

The project is set to be completed in the coming years, with ongoing work across various challenging terrains and regions.

State-wise, 23 states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab, have reached full electrification.

The remaining areas in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Assam are making steady progress.

Electrification has brought numerous environmental benefits, including a drastic reduction in carbon emissions.

According to the minister, while road transport emits 101 grams of CO₂ per tonne per kilometer, rail transport generates only 11.5 grams, an 89 per cent reduction.

"Further, electrification of railway tracks reduces dependency on fossil fuels, decreased diesel consumption resulting in lower carbon emission. Electrification enables better haulage capacity and higher train speeds, leading to reduced travel time and enhanced efficiency. IR has witnessed reduction in fuel consumption for traction purpose by 136 crore liters during 2023-24 as compared to 2018-19," the minister said.

Vaishnaw noted that Mission 100 per cent Electrification is a highly challenging project, as it involves electrifying railway lines that are already in operation and encountering unforeseen various challenges during execution.

"To expedite railway electrification work, various steps have been taken by Indian Railways which include among others; formation of Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal to resolve the constraints being faced during commissioning, ensuring effective project monitoring mechanism, assured funding and enhanced financial powers to field units," he added.

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