Indian Railways is accelerating its modernisation drive by upgrading infrastructure and rolling stock with advanced technologies aimed at enhancing safety, punctuality, reliability and passenger comfort. A major focus of this effort is the transition to cleaner traction systems, with a significant reduction in the use of coal-based and diesel engines.

Electrification has been taken up in mission mode. As of now, 99.2 per cent of the Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified, with the remaining routes under execution. During 2014–25, Railways electrified 46,900 route kilometres, compared with 21,801 route kilometres completed in the six decades before 2014.

Indian Railways is also manufacturing and commissioning state-of-the-art three-phase IGBT locomotives. These engines are regenerative, enabling energy recovery during braking and delivering improved efficiency.

Coal-fired steam engines continue to be used on UNESCO-accredited mountain railways, seasonal steam-hauled trains and chartered tourist services operated with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), preserving their heritage appeal.

As part of its clean energy strategy, Indian Railways is increasingly meeting its traction power needs through renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hybrid solutions that combine solar, wind and storage systems. This approach supports strategic power procurement planning and helps reduce the network’s carbon footprint.

By November 2025, Indian Railways had commissioned around 812 MW of solar plants and 93 MW of wind power installations, contributing to total traction energy needs. A further 100 MW of continuous renewable power under the Round-the-Clock (RTC) model has also been tied up from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). An additional 1500 MW of renewable energy under RTC mode is being secured to meet future traction requirements.

During 2023–24, expenditure on traction across Indian Railways amounted to Rs 296.14 billion, covering all traction types.

Indian Railways has also embarked on a pilot project to test hydrogen-powered train technology, supported by specifications framed by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). The initiative demonstrates a commitment to alternative, environmentally responsible propulsion systems that will contribute to a cleaner transport future.

Aligned with India's strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Railways plans to further expand renewable energy sourcing for traction through solar, wind and hybrid solutions, reinforcing its decarbonisation goals.

The information was shared by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.