Indian Railways is getting closer to becoming the largest green network in the world.

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Recent reports indicate that Indian Railways is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone: the full electrification of its broad gauge network. With plans to complete this endeavor within the next few months, well ahead of schedule, the railway is poised to emerge as the world's largest environmentally friendly rail system. The allocation of INR 6,500 crore in the interim budget for ongoing electrification projects underscores India's commitment to this ambitious goal.

A senior railway official emphasized India's dedication to electrification, citing the earmarked fund for the fiscal year 2025. Over the past few years, substantial investments totaling INR 46,425 crore have been directed towards electrification efforts, signifying a notable shift towards electric engines over diesel locomotives. As of December 2023, the railways boasted 10,238 electric and 4,543 diesel locomotives, showcasing significant progress in this transition.

The fiscal year 2023-24 saw the electrification of 7,188 kilometers of rail network, including key routes like Ahmedabad-Rajkot-Okha, Bengaluru-Talguppa, and Bathinda-Firozpur-Jalandhar. This shift to electric traction is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 24% by 2027-28, reflecting the environmental benefits of such initiatives. Since 2014-15, over 40,000 route kilometers on the broad gauge network have been electrified, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years.

Rail electrification in India has witnessed remarkable progress, with the rate of electrification growing nearly ninefold over the past decade. This accelerated pace, from 1.42 km per day in 2014-15 to approximately 19.6 km per day in 2023-24, positions Indian Railways as a frontrunner in this domain. Notably, India's electrification efforts surpass those of the European Union, the UK, and the US, with a commendable 95% electrification rate.

While rail electrification promises numerous environmental and economic benefits, concerns persist regarding the source of electricity, primarily reliant on thermal coal for power generation. Experts argue that without a transition to renewable energy sources, the impact on carbon emissions may be limited. Nevertheless, Indian Railways has set an ambitious target to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and green transportation.

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