New Delhi: Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone, completing the electrification of approximately 97 percent of its Broad Gauge (BG) network, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This achievement, part of a mission-mode initiative, is a result of the Govt’s commitment to sustainable and economical transportation.
Since 2014-15, the Indian Railways has electrified about 45,200 route kilometers (RKM) of its BG network, a dramatic increase in pace compared to the preceding decade. Electrification efforts surged from 1.42 km per day during 2004-14 to an impressive 19.7 km per day in 2023-24.
The transition to electric traction not only supports the Railways' sustainability goals but also reduces operational costs. Electric traction is about 70 percent more economical than diesel, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Ensuring reliable power supply for the electrified network, Indian Railways has established connections to the national grid through state and central transmission utilities. The system incorporates multiple redundancies, including backup power sources at grid and traction substations, to guarantee uninterrupted train operations.
The announcement highlights Indian Railways’ progress toward achieving full electrification of its BG network, reinforcing its position as a leader in green transportation initiatives.
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