99.6% Electrification of Indian Railways
Broad Gauge Network Completed
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As of 22 July 2026, 99.6%
of the Indian Railways broad gauge network has been electrified.
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With this achievement,
Indian Railways has become the world's second most electrified large railway
network.
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Switzerland ranks first
among large railway networks with 100% railway electrification.
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Railway electrification
refers to the use of electric traction for train operations through overhead
equipment (OHE) or other electric power supply systems.
¨
Indian Railways has
carried out electrification in a phased manner across main routes, branch
lines, and freight corridors.
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Between 2014 and 2026,
Indian Railways electrified 48,072 route kilometres of railway lines.
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In contrast, only 21,801
route kilometres were electrified during the six decades prior to 2014.
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The pace of railway
electrification increased significantly after 2014.
¨
Diesel consumption for
train operations declined from 2.93 billion litres in 2015–16 to 1.08 billion litres
in 2024–25.
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This represents a
reduction of approximately 1.85 billion litres of diesel consumption, reducing
dependence on imported fuel.
Electrification of Major Railway Networks
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Switzerland – 100%
¨
India – 99.6%
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China – 82%
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Spain – 67%
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Japan – 64%
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France – 60%
¨
United Kingdom – 39%
Rail transport emits approximately 89% less carbon
dioxide per tonne-kilometre than road transport.By June 2026, Indian Railways
had installed more than 1,260 MW of renewable energy capacity.Railway
electrification enhances energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and
reduction in carbon emissions, while supporting cleaner and more sustainable
transportation.
