News: Indian Railways has become one of the most extensively electrified rail systems in the world.
Indian Railways Becomes the Biggest Electrified Rail System Globally
- Indian Railways has become one of the world’s most extensively electrified rail networks.
- By November 2025, nearly 99.2 per cent of its 70,000 route-kilometre broad-gauge network had been electrified.
- Rapid Acceleration in Electrification Pace: The speed of electrification has increased substantially from an average of about 1.4 kilometres per day between 2004 and 2014 to more than 15 kilometres per day between 2019 and 2025, reflecting a transformative push toward modernisation.
- Rising Share of Electrified Tracks: The proportion of electrified railway tracks rose from 24 per cent in 2000 to 40 per cent in 2017, crossed 96 per cent by the end of 2024, and reached near-total electrification by November 2025.
- Scale of Electrification Achieved: As of November 2025, Indian Railways has electrified 69,427 route km, of which 46,900 route km were completed between 2014 and 2025, highlighting the unprecedented scale of recent expansion.
- Integration of Renewable Energy: Solar power capacity has grown from 3.68 mw in 2014 to 898 mw by November 2025, marking an almost 244-fold increase in clean energy generation.
- Solar installations are now operational at 2,626 railway stations, ensuring widespread use of renewable energy across diverse geographic and operational areas.
- Approximately 629 mw, or about 70 %, of the total solar capacity is utilised for traction purposes, directly powering electric train operations and reducing reliance on conventional electricity sources.
- The remaining 269 mw of solar power supports non-traction requirements, including station lighting, workshops, service buildings, and residential quarters, enhancing energy efficiency and cost savings.
