PM Modi: Indian Railways Hits 99.6% Electrification Milestone
PM Modi announces near-total electrification of the Broad Gauge network, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a monumental achievement for the nation's transport infrastructure, with the Indian Railways reaching approximately 99.6% electrification across its Broad Gauge (BG) network. This massive transition marks a historic shift in how the country's rail network operates.
Highlighting the rapid progress made under his administration, the Prime Minister noted a significant contrast in development. While only 30% of the railway network was electrified during the 90 years prior to 2014, the current network is now nearly fully transitioned to electric power. This milestone, confirmed by the Ministry of Railways, is a critical step toward the national goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Boosting Energy Security and Sustainability
The shift from diesel to electric traction is driving several key benefits for the Indian economy and the environment:
- Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence: The transition has significantly lowered the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Lower Diesel Consumption: There has been a substantial decrease in diesel usage over the last decade.
- Green Infrastructure: The government continues to integrate electrification into all new railway lines and multi-tracking projects as a core part of its national strategy.
Infrastructure Breakthroughs in Karnataka
The push for modernization is also yielding major regional results. In Karnataka, the successful electrification of the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road Ghat section has been completed, marking a vital infrastructure milestone for the state.
New Vande Bharat Express Launched
In addition to the electrification success, the South Western Railway (SWR) has celebrated a major service milestone. The new Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express has been officially flagged off, providing passengers with enhanced, high-speed connectivity across the region.