India becomes the world’s second most electrified railway network after Switzerland, cuts diesel consumption by 185 crore litres and expands renewable energy use

Key Highlights

• 99.6% of Indian Railways’ Broad Gauge network has now been electrified.
• India is now the second most electrified railway network globally, behind Switzerland (100%).
• 48,072 route kilometres were electrified between 2014 and 2026, compared to 21,801 route kilometres before 2014.
• Diesel consumption for railway traction has fallen from 293 crore litres (2015-16) to 108 crore litres (2024-25).
• Rail transport emits about 89% less CO₂ than road transport for freight movement.
• Indian Railways has commissioned 1,161 MW of solar power and 103 MW of wind energy to support cleaner operations.
• All new railway lines and multi-tracking projects are now being developed with electrification.
• Information shared by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha.

India Emerges as One of the World’s Most Electrified Railway Networks

India has achieved a major milestone in sustainable transportation, with 99.6% of its Broad Gauge railway network now electrified, making Indian Railways the second most electrified railway system in the world, according to the latest International Union of Railways (UIC) report.

The Ministry of Railways said electrification has been undertaken in mission mode over the past decade, transforming one of the world’s largest rail networks into a cleaner, more energy-efficient transportation system.

Between 2014 and 2026, Indian Railways electrified 48,072 route kilometres, more than double the 21,801 route kilometres electrified over the previous six decades.

The remaining sections are currently under implementation, while every new railway line and multi-tracking project is being constructed with electrification from the outset.

India Ranks Second Globally in Railway Electrification

According to the UIC June 2025 report, India’s railway electrification now surpasses many developed rail systems.

The achievement places India among the world’s leading nations in sustainable rail infrastructure.

Diesel Consumption Drops Sharply

One of the biggest outcomes of railway electrification has been a significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption.

Indian Railways’ diesel usage for traction has declined from:

• 293 crore litres in 2015-16
• 108 crore litres in 2024-25

This represents a reduction of 185 crore litres, resulting in substantial savings in fuel imports while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Rail Emerges as a Cleaner Mode of Transport

The Ministry highlighted rail transport’s environmental advantages.

According to a NITI Aayog study:

Rail transport therefore emits approximately 89% less carbon dioxide than road freight, reinforcing its role in India’s low-carbon transport strategy.

Electrification also improves:

• Higher hauling capacity
• Faster train speeds
• Reduced travel time
• Better operational efficiency
• Lower dependence on imported fossil fuels

Renewable Energy Powers the Rail Network

Indian Railways is increasingly integrating renewable energy into its operations.

As of June 2026, the network has commissioned:

• 1,161 MW of solar power capacity
• 103 MW of wind power capacity

The Ministry said renewable energy, together with near-complete electrification, is central to Indian Railways’ strategy of reducing its carbon footprint while meeting future energy requirements.

Most Railway Zones and States Reach Full Electrification

Fifteen railway zones, including Central Railway, Northern Railway, Western Railway, Eastern Railway, South Central Railway and Konkan Railway, have achieved 100% electrification.

State-wise, several major tourism and economic hubs—including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Bihar and Odisha—have already achieved complete electrification of their railway networks.

Only a few States, including Goa (91.4%), Karnataka (96.8%), Assam (97.9%) and Tamil Nadu (98.3%), are nearing full electrification.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

The near-complete electrification of Indian Railways is expected to deliver long-term benefits for India’s hospitality, travel and tourism sectors.

• Faster, more reliable rail services improve connectivity to leisure, heritage, pilgrimage and business destinations, encouraging domestic tourism.
• Better rail infrastructure enhances accessibility to hotels, resorts and emerging tourism circuits, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
• Reduced travel times and improved operational efficiency can support weekend travel, regional tourism and multi-destination itineraries.
• Lower carbon emissions align with the growing demand for sustainable tourism, enabling destinations and hospitality brands to promote greener travel experiences.
• Hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses located along key rail corridors are likely to benefit from increased visitor movement as railway infrastructure continues to modernize.
• Expanded renewable energy use also strengthens Indian Railways’ sustainability credentials, complementing the hospitality industry’s increasing focus on ESG goals and environmentally responsible travel.

Hospitality Outlook

Indian Railways’ achievement of 99.6% Broad Gauge electrification marks a significant milestone in India’s sustainable mobility journey. Beyond reducing emissions and fuel dependence, the modernised rail network is poised to strengthen tourism connectivity, improve passenger experiences and support the hospitality industry’s growth through faster, cleaner and more efficient transportation. As India continues investing in green infrastructure, electrified rail is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable tourism and destination development across the country.