Indian Railways’ accelerated electrification push has sharply reduced diesel consumption, helping cut crude import dependence while expanding cleaner rail operations across the country. Mission-mode electrification has now covered about 99.4% of the Broad Gauge network, with the remaining stretches also taken up for completion.According to information shared by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha, Indian Railways saved 178 crore litres of diesel in 2024-25 compared with 2016-17 levels, translating into a 62% reduction in consumption. The shift towards electric traction is being driven by both environmental and cost considerations, with electric traction proving more efficient than alternatives such as bio-diesel.Electrification progress has accelerated significantly over the past decade. Before 2014, about 21,801 route kilometres were electrified over nearly 60 years. In comparison, 46,900 route kilometres have been electrified between 2014 and 2025. Since 2023-24 alone, 10,932 route kilometres have been electrified till January 2026.Railways said all new line and multi-tracking projects are now being sanctioned and constructed with electrification as a standard feature.
Majority of railway zones fully electrified
Several railway zones have already achieved 100% electrification, including Central, Eastern, Northern, Western, East Coast, East Central, South Central, South Eastern, South East Central and West Central Railways, among others. Konkan Railway and Kolkata Metro have also achieved full electrification.A few zones are nearing completion, with North Western Railway at 99%, Northeast Frontier Railway at 99%, Southern Railway at 98% and South Western Railway at 96%.At the state level, 25 states and Union Territories have achieved 100% electrification of railway networks. Rajasthan stands at 99%, Assam at 98%, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at 97%, while Goa has achieved 91% electrification.Seen geographically, the progress reflects a near nationwide transition to electric traction, covering major freight and passenger corridors.
Rs 29,826 crore spent on electrification in last five years
During the five-year period from 2020-21 to 2024-25, Indian Railways spent Rs 29,826 crore on electrification projects, including works in Tamil Nadu.Railways noted that project completion timelines depend on several external factors such as forest clearances, utility shifting, statutory approvals, terrain conditions, law and order issues and climate-related working constraints.
Shift to electric traction cuts energy import burden
The ministry said the transition has significantly reduced dependence on imported crude oil while improving long-term operational cost efficiency. Indian Railways spent Rs 32,378 crore on total traction energy consumption during 2024-25.Officials added that while bio-diesel testing has been undertaken in the past, electric traction remains significantly more beneficial from both cost and environmental standpoints.
Waste management push to improve passenger experience
Alongside electrification, Railways is expanding waste management and cleanliness infrastructure across trains and stations.Waste collected inside trains is disposed of at designated en-route stations. On-board housekeeping staff are prohibited from dumping waste on tracks, with penalties imposed for violations. Rag picking along tracks is carried out regularly to maintain cleanliness.Plastic bottle crushing machines have been installed at stations as required. Two-bin segregation systems have been introduced at many stations to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at source.Railways has also tied up with municipal bodies for waste disposal based on local feasibility. Infrastructure such as sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants and material recovery facilities has been installed at multiple locations.Passenger awareness campaigns are being conducted regularly to encourage proper waste disposal. Cleanliness drives under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are also being organised periodically to maintain hygiene standards across the network.
Bio-toilet rollout eliminates direct waste discharge
Railways has also expanded installation of bio-toilets to eliminate direct discharge of human waste from trains. Between 2004 and 2014, 9,587 bio-toilets were installed. Since 2014, a total of 3,61,572 bio-toilets have been fitted in passenger coaches.
