India Electrifies 99.6% of Broad Gauge Rail Network
Rail electrification cuts diesel use, emissions and fuel dependence as India nears full coverage
New Delhi: India has electrified 99.6 per cent of its broad gauge railway network, placing it among the leading countries globally in railway electrification, according to a government statement.
Switzerland has achieved 100 per cent electrification, while China stands at 82 per cent.
The statement said diesel consumption for railway traction declined from 293 crore litres in 2015-16 to 108 crore litres in 2024-25, resulting in savings in foreign exchange and a reduction in carbon emissions.
Rail transport emits about 89 per cent less carbon dioxide than road transport, the government said, adding that over 1,260 MW of solar and wind power capacity has been commissioned to support low-carbon railway operations.
The government said Indian Railways has undertaken one of the fastest electrification programmes globally and opted to electrify the entire broad gauge network, unlike many countries that focus on select high-traffic routes.
It said electrification reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowers diesel consumption and improves operational efficiency, including higher haulage capacity and faster train movement, leading to reduced travel time.
