Indian Railways is progressing towards achieving complete electrification of broad gauge routes. (AI image)
Indian Railways is developing a diversified energy strategy for its
net zero 2030
initiative, incorporating nuclear, solar, hydropower, wind and thermal sources, according to officials. The strategy aims to fulfil the national transporter’s 10-gigawatt (GW) traction requirement for operating trains by 2030.
To meet its energy needs in 2030, Indian Railways intends to acquire 3 GW of
renewable energy
, including hydropower, alongside 3 GW from thermal and nuclear sources. The remaining 4 GW traction requirement will be fulfilled through arrangements with power distribution companies.
Officials said that Indian Railways is progressing towards achieving complete electrification of broad gauge routes in the current financial year.
By 2025-26, approximately 95% of trains will operate on electricity, reducing the railways’ direct carbon emissions to 1.37 million tonnes annually, remaining constant until 2030.
Indian Railways Destination Net Zero
A senior official, speaking anonymously to ET, said, “Requests to earmark around 2 GW of
nuclear power
for Railways have been made to the power ministry. Another 2 GW
thermal power
will be sourced from new joint venture proposals and power purchase agreements.” The official added that arrangements for 500 megawatt round-the-clock renewable energy are being developed.
Additionally,
hydropower projects
with 1.5 GW capacity are under planning consideration for railway power supply.
Also Read | Indian Railways eyes world’s longest Hyperloop test track with 1,100 kmph speeds
“With nearly 95% trains running on electricity from 2025-26 onwards, the direct carbon emissions of the railways will come down to 1.37 million tonnes per year and will remain the same till 2030,” an official stated, noting that afforestation measures could effectively offset these emissions.
Currently, 90% of Indian Railways’ trains utilise electrical power, with diesel accounting for the remaining 10%. This represents substantial progress from three years ago when diesel-powered trains constituted 37% of operations.
The official confirmed, “Steps will also be taken to incorporate carbon negative practices through energy efficiency at railway production units and
green railway stations
.”
The transition to electric traction offers financial benefits alongside environmental advantages. The railways’ expenditure on diesel fuel is projected to decrease to ₹9,528.53 crore in 2025-26, marking the lowest diesel-related spending in over ten years.
Also Read | Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours? Delhi-Mumbai Expressway completion delayed by 2 years – here’s why
