Indian Railways Electrification Drive Lacks Strategic Clarity

Source: The post Indian Railways Electrification Drive Lacks Strategic Clarity has been created, based on the article “The hidden cost of greenwashing the Indian Railways” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Infrastructure: Energy, Railways etc.

Context: The article criticizes the Indian Railways’ hasty electrification drive. It highlights the wastage of diesel locomotives with years of service left, questions environmental benefits, and argues that the policy lacks economic and strategic clarity, causing significant financial loss. Indian Railways Electrification Drive Lacks Strategic Clarity

For details information on Railway network in 14 states 100% electrified in FY23 read this article here

What is the Issue with Indian Railways’ Electrification Efforts?

1. Wastage of Diesel Locomotives: As of March 2023, 585 diesel locomotives were idle. Today, the number is 760. Over 60% of these locomotives have a remaining life of more than 15 years.
2. Minimal Foreign Exchange Savings: According to the AC Nielsen report (2014), Railways’ diesel consumption is just 2% of India’s total diesel use (2021-22). Trucks consume 28%, and agriculture consumes 13.2% of diesel, showing Railways’ minimal contribution.
3. Environmental Claims Are Misleading: 50% of electricity in India comes from coal-fired plants. Railways earn 40% of total freight revenue by transporting coal. Electrification increases coal dependency, shifting pollution to thermal plants.
4. Policy Lacks Clarity: The rush for 100% electrification wastes serviceable assets and taxpayer money, causing financial losses.

What is the Strategic Reasoning Behind Keeping Diesel Locomotives?

1. Disaster Management: Indian Railways plans to retain 2,500 diesel locomotives for emergencies and strategic purposes.
2. Traffic Needs: Around 1,000 diesel locomotives will remain operational for a few more years to meet traffic demands.
3. Residual Service Life: Over 60% of idle locomotives still have more than 15 years of service left.

Conclusion

The Indian Railways’ rush for 100% electrification lacks practical and environmental justification. Over 760 diesel locomotives, 60% with over 15 years of life, are being wasted. Electrification relies on 50% coal-generated electricity, increasing pollution. Retaining 3,500 diesel locomotives highlights policy contradictions. This approach causes significant financial loss without achieving real “green” goals.

Question for practice:

Examine the economic, environmental, and strategic issues associated with the Indian Railways’ rush for 100% electrification, as highlighted in the article.