India’s Rail Electrification Drive Nears Completion, Enabling Net-Zero Carbon Emissions and Faster Mobility

Indian Railways is close to completing the electrification of almost its entire broad-gauge network, with more than 99% already electrified and the remaining stretches expected to finish soon.

Electrification Milestones
- 99% of India’s broad-gauge rail network is already electrified, with the remaining stretches expected to finish soon.
- Between 2019 and 2025, Indian Railways electrified over 33,000 route kilometres, averaging more than 15 km per day.
- This achievement is comparable to electrifying the entire railway network of Germany, highlighting the scale of India’s progress.

Environmental & Economic Impact
- Reduced diesel consumption: Transitioning away from diesel traction lowers fuel costs and dependency.
- Carbon emissions cut: Supports Indian Railways’ goal of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter.
- Operational efficiency: Electrification improves train speed, reliability, and lowers maintenance costs.
- Global benchmark: India now operates one of the largest fully electrified rail systems in the world, surpassing many advanced economies still reliant on diesel.

Passenger Benefits
- Cleaner travel: Reduced pollution and noise along routes.
- Faster trains: Higher average speeds and smoother acceleration.
- Reliable services: Less disruption due to fuel logistics, more consistent operations.
- Modernisation synergy: Complements the rollout of LHB coaches, Vande Bharat trains, and upgraded stations.

Big Picture
India’s electrification drive is not just about infrastructure—it’s about sustainable mobility at scale, aligning with national climate goals and offering millions of passengers a cleaner, faster, and more reliable railway experience.