Indian Railways is all set to achieve a significant milestone with 100 percent electrification of its broad gauge network before the end of this fiscal year.
As per a senior Railway Ministry official, this feat is expected to be accomplished in the coming months, well ahead of schedule. Notably in the 2024-25 interim budget, Rs 6500 crore were allocated for further electrification projects.
“With a dedicated fund of Rs 6,500 crore in FY25 for further electrification projects, India is committed to achieving complete electrification,” a senior railway official mentioned to ANI.
Further, Indian railways have already made substantial progress with numerous regions across India, boasting 100% electrification.
Rapid rise in electrification projects
Since 2014, over Rs 46,425 crore has been allocated for electrification endeavors, significantly accelerating the transition from diesel to electric locomotives, ANI reported.
It is noteworthy that 61,813 route km on the broad gauge network has been electrified, which is about 94% of the total Broad Gauge (BG) network of the Indian Railways, a statement by the Ministry of Railways mentioned in February 2024.
Further, as of December 2023, Indian Railways boasts 10,238 electric and 4,543 diesel locomotives. The momentum towards electrification is evident in the electrification of 7,188 kilometers of rail network in 2023-24 alone.
Notable routes electrified during this period include Ahmedabad-Rajkot-Okha (499 km), Bengaluru-Talguppa (371 km), and Bhatinda-Firozpur-Jalandhar (301 km).
Global comparison
India’s rapid progress in rail electrification sets it apart on the global stage. Compared to other parts of the world like the European Union, the UK, and the US, Indian Railways leads the charge with 95% electrification.
Switzerland stands at an impressive 99% electrification, showcasing the efficacy and feasibility of such initiatives.