+
Indian Railways Cuts Diesel Use With Near Complete Electrification
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indian Railways Cuts Diesel Use With Near Complete Electrification

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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code