New Delhi: The Indian Railways is working day and night to transform into one of the largest green networks. Indian Railways started its journey more than 170 years ago, and it was almost 100 years ago that the first electric train began in India. Since then, there has been no stopping the Railways’ progressive growth towards being one of the world’s largest networks and trying to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 20230.
The net zero carbon emission will support the Indian government’s commitments towards climate change. Electrification in railways does help reduce carbon emissions. In this article, let us look at how electrification helps.
Electrification: The Cornerstone of Indian Railways’ Green Transition
India’s transport sector emits 12 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gases, and the railway industry contributes 4 per cent. This is mainly due to the emissions produced when generating electricity. The Railways also directly contribute to emissions by using lights, fans, rail offices, and other train-related services. However, all efforts are to try to reduce emissions and contribute in their own way.
The electrification initiative aims to lower carbon emissions from fuel-powered locomotive engines. The transition from fuel to electric engines started in 2009.
To achieve “net-zero” emissions, Indian Railways needs to move towards using electric trains and reduce the use of diesel trains as much as possible. If they succeed, this will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) by 15 million tonnes.
Full electrification will significantly increase electricity demand by 2029-30. Carbon emissions related to electricity production are expected to reach 60 million tonnes by then. The Railways aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
From 2009 to 2014, Indian Railways electrified 21,395 kilometres of broad-gauge routes, and from 2014 to 2020, they added another 18,605 kilometres.
By January 2025, 64,547 route kilometres were electrified, 97.06 per cent of the total broad-gauge network of 66,504 km, including the Konkan Railway.
There is also a focus on extending electrification to last-mile connections and missing links outside the broad-gauge network. The electricity for these trains comes from renewable sources like solar, wind, and biogas.
How it works?
- Electrification: Electric trains run on electricity instead of diesel.
- Renewable energy: Electric trains use solar, wind and biogas.
- Energy efficiency: Electric trains have systems to save energy while braking.
- Head-on generation: Trains get power from overhead lines instead of diesel generators.
- LED lighting: Stations and coaches use LED lights.
Other initiatives by Indian Railways to reduce carbon emissions
- Afforestation: Railways plant trees on open land and between sections.
- Waste management: Railways run waste-to-energy, compost, and biogas plants at stations.
- Green certification: Railways have green-certified stations and buildings.
- Bio-toilets: Railways have installed bio-toilets in trains.
Goals set by Indian Railways
- The railways aim for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- Indian Railways is also working to reduce the use of petroleum-based energy.
Indian Railways is aggressively pursuing a green transformation, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This involves extensive electrification of its network, using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and implementing energy-efficient technologies in trains and stations. Full electrification will significantly reduce India’s railway sector’s carbon footprint and contribute to the nation’s climate change commitments. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
