New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Indian Railways is nearing the completion of its extensive electrification initiative, with over 99 percent of its broad-gauge network already electrified. The remaining sections are anticipated to be finished shortly, as stated by the Railways Ministry on Sunday.

"The work pace in recent years has been remarkable. From 2019 to 2025, Indian Railways has electrified more than 33,000 route kilometers, achieving an average of over 15 Route KMs daily. The distance electrified during this timeframe is nearly equivalent to the total railway network of Germany, underscoring the scale and commitment of India towards expanding clean and efficient rail traction," the statement elaborated.

India's accomplishment is particularly noteworthy when compared to nations with well-established railway systems. The country has successfully electrified nearly its entire broad-gauge network while managing one of the world's largest and busiest rail services.

This transformation has significantly cut down diesel usage, reduced emissions, lowered operational costs, and enhanced the efficiency and speed of train operations. While many advanced economies still rely heavily on diesel traction due to cost or structural constraints, India has advanced through meticulous planning and consistent execution.

As the final sections are completed, India is poised to operate one of the globe's largest fully electrified railway systems, aligning with Indian Railways’ ambition to become a net-zero carbon emitter and providing cleaner, faster, and more reliable transport for millions of passengers daily.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday that Indian Railways aims to fulfill its electric power needs for traction through renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and other renewables based on strategic power procurement planning, thereby minimizing its carbon footprint.

The minister stated that by November 2025, approximately 812 megawatts (MW) of solar energy plants and around 93 MW of wind energy plants have been established, catering to the traction needs of Indian Railways. Additionally, 100 MW of renewable energy secured under the Round the Clock (RTC) mode from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has commenced for traction use.

Moreover, a further 1,500 MW of renewable capacity under the RTC mode has been secured to meet traction power demands. This hybrid solution comprises solar, wind, and storage elements.

Furthermore, Indian Railways is now producing and commissioning cutting-edge three-phase IGBT technology-based locomotives. These locomotives feature regenerative capabilities, allowing them to recover energy consumed during braking, making them more energy-efficient.