Indian Railways Electrifies 99.6% of Its Broad Gauge Network

India has positioned itself as a global leader in sustainable rail transport by electrifying 99.6% of its broad-gauge network, making it the world’s second most electrified major railway system after Switzerland. Highlighting this rapid transformation, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw noted in the Lok Sabha that 48,072 route kilometres have been electrified since 2014—more than double the distance completed over the preceding six decades. By embedding electrification directly into all new lines and expansion projects, India’s progress has outpaced that of major global economies like China, Spain, Japan, France, and the UK. This shift to electric traction has significantly boosted operational efficiency while furthering the nation’s decarbonization goals. According to NITI Aayog, rail transport generates nearly 89% fewer carbon emissions per tonne-kilometre than road transport. The transition has drastically slashed annual diesel consumption from 293 crore litres in FY16 to 108 crore litres in FY25, reducing foreign fuel reliance. Backed by 1,260 MW of installed solar and wind capacity and 15 fully electrified zones, Indian Railways continues to strengthen national energy security while setting a global benchmark for green infrastructure. $KEC $KPIL $SIEMENS