Indian Railways has advanced a mission to electrify its broad gauge network and has achieved about 99.4 per cent electrification of the broad gauge network. The programme delivered 46,900 route kilometres of electrification during 2014–25 on top of 21,801 route kilometres completed before 2014. 25 states have reached 100 per cent electrification while remaining networks are being taken up.

Most zones have attained full electrification and the remainder are close to completion, with North Western and Northeast Frontier at 99 per cent and Southern and South Western at 98 and 96 per cent respectively. Since 2023–24, 10,932 route kilometres were electrified up to January 2026. All new line and multi?tracking projects are sanctioned and constructed with electrification.

During the last five years, Rs 298.26 billion (Rs 298.26 bn) was spent on railway electrification projects. The amount spent on total energy consumption for traction in 2024–25 was Rs 323.78 billion (Rs 323.78 bn). Electrification reduced diesel consumption by 1,780 million litres (1,780 mn litres) in 2024–25 compared with 2016–17, representing a 62 per cent reduction. This has reduced crude oil import dependency.

Completion times depend on forest clearances, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory approvals, geological and topographical conditions, law and order and the number of working months available at a site. Indian Railways acknowledged these factors can affect project schedules. Tests on biodiesel have been conducted but electric traction is considered far more beneficial for environmental and cost reasons.

Waste management measures include disposal of collected waste at nominated en?route stations, provision of two?bin dustbins for source segregation, installation of plastic bottle crushing machines and commissioning of sewage treatment and material recovery facilities where needed. Passenger awareness campaigns, on?board housekeeping staff mandates and regular inspections form part of the cleanliness regime. Bio?toilets were fitted in 9,587 coaches between 2004 and 2014 and in 361,572 coaches since 2014.