59,524 km length of broad gauge rail line electrified

Broad gauge (BG) train lines have been electrified for a total length of 59,524 km in India, according to a written response provided to Parliament by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Minister stated, in answer to a question from a member in the Lok Sabha yesterday, that electrifying a rail route has advantages like lower operating costs, the ability to operate bigger freight trains and longer passenger trains, among others. The completion of Electrification projects) depends on various factors, such as the number of working months per year for a specific project site due to climatic conditions, forest clearances by officials of the forest department, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of the area, law and order situation in the area of projects) site, etc.