The Indian Railways has always been the backbone of transportation in our country, providing affordable and reliable services to millions of people every day. In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the railway sector, with a major focus on electrification of the broad-gauge network. And the latest figures have been nothing short of impressive.
As per the latest reports, on January 1st, 97.06% of the broad-gauge network across Indian Railways was electrified. This number increased to 98.88% by May and by the end of July, we have achieved a remarkable feat of 99% electrification coverage. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Indian Railways team towards achieving a greener and more sustainable mode of transportation.
The Indian Railways has been working towards electrification of its network for a long time now, with a target to electrify its entire broad-gauge network by 2023. And with the current progress, it seems that we are well on our way to achieving this goal much before the deadline.
Electrification of the broad-gauge network has numerous benefits, both for the environment and the railways itself. It helps in reducing carbon emissions and contributes towards a cleaner and greener India. It also makes the trains more efficient and cost-effective as compared to diesel-powered locomotives. This, in turn, leads to cost savings for the railways and eventually benefits the passengers in the form of lower fares.
The electrification drive has also led to an increase in the speed and frequency of trains, resulting in improved connectivity and better overall performance of the railways. It has also made the network more reliable and reduced the chances of delays due to technical issues.
The Indian Railways has been actively working towards electrification of the network, with a focus on completing the work at a faster pace. In the financial year 2020-21, the railways electrified a total of 6,015 Route Kilometers (RKM), which is the highest ever in a single year. This is a significant increase from the 4,087 RKM electrified in the previous year.
The electrification work has been carried out on a war footing, with teams working round the clock to ensure timely completion of projects. The railways have also adopted innovative methods like solar-powered trains and regenerative braking systems to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Apart from electrification, the Indian Railways has also taken several other steps towards sustainability and eco-friendliness. It has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, making it the first railway in the world to do so. It has also installed rooftop solar panels in more than 960 stations, generating 74 MW of solar energy and saving a considerable amount of electricity.
The electrification of the broad-gauge network is a major milestone for the Indian Railways and a significant step towards a cleaner and greener future. It is a reflection of the government’s commitment towards sustainable development and a greener economy. The railways have set a great example for other modes of transportation to follow, and it is heartening to see the progress being made in this direction.
Moreover, the electrification drive has also created job opportunities for thousands of people, further boosting the economy and promoting inclusive growth. It has also helped in the development of local industries, as indigenous manufacturing of electric locomotives and related equipment has increased.
In conclusion, the Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable feat by electrifying 99% of its broad-gauge network. This is a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainability and a greener future. The electrification drive has not only improved the efficiency and performance of the railways but has also contributed towards a healthier environment. Let us all applaud the efforts of the Indian Railways team and continue to support and encourage such initiatives in the future.
