How is Indian Railways Contributing to a Greener Future?

Click to start listening
How is Indian Railways Contributing to a Greener Future?

Synopsis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently underscored the essential role of Indian Railways in fostering a sustainable future through electrification and clean energy initiatives. With ambitious goals in sight, discover how this vital transport system is transforming India's environmental landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • Indian Railways is essential for achieving India's net zero emissions goals.
  • Electrification has increased significantly in recent years.
  • Rail transport is more cost-effective than road transport.
  • Every train journey contributes to a cleaner environment.
  • Collaboration with states aims to boost green energy usage.

New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the vital role that Indian Railways is playing in creating a sustainable future through rapid electrification and a transition to clean energy.

"On World Environment Day, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significant contributions of Indian Railways towards a greener future. With swift electrification and a commitment to clean energy, it is poised to achieve net zero emissions," stated the Prime Minister’s Office on X, in response to the minister’s article.

“Opting for train travel instead of other modes isn’t just about comfort or convenience — it’s a choice for a cleaner, greener Bharat. Last year, over 700 crore people chose to travel via Indian Railways. It serves as our lifeline and a green promise for the future,” wrote Vaishnaw in his World Environment Day article.

The minister noted that Indian Railways is aiding the nation in achieving the 'Panchamrit' objectives set forth by Prime Minister Modi — aiming for net zero by 2070. This is being accomplished through a multifaceted approach that includes shifting traffic from roads to railways and powering operations with cleaner energy sources. Collectively, these efforts are facilitating large-scale decarbonization of India’s economy.

“PM Modi has set 2030 as the target year for Indian Railways to achieve net zero. Due to expedited electrification and significant cargo transfer from road to rail, Indian Railways is on course to realize net zero (Scope 1) by 2025," Vaishnaw explained.

In 2013-14, Railways transported approximately 1,055 million tonnes of cargo. This figure has surged to 1,617 million tonnes by 2024-25, establishing our Railways as the world’s second-largest cargo carrier. According to expert calculations, this shift from road to rail has enabled our country to save over 143 million tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 121 crore trees, Vaishnaw elaborated.

Transporting goods via rail is nearly half the cost compared to road transport. This results in substantial savings, not only for businesses but for the entire economy. This transition has helped save Rs 3.2 lakh crore in logistics expenses over the past decade, he added.

Vaishnaw further pointed out that Indian Railways is significantly cleaner, emitting 90 percent less carbon dioxide than trucks. This leads to reduced smoke in our skies and improved air quality. The shift from road to rail has saved approximately 2,857 crore litres of diesel, translating to savings of around Rs 2 lakh crore in fuel expenses.

“In the prior 60 years before 2014, Indian Railways electrified 21,000 kilometers of track. In the last 11 years, we have electrified 47,000 kilometers. Currently, 99 percent of the country’s broad gauge network is electrified,” the minister highlighted.

The Railways are increasingly adopting green energy for their stations, factories, and workshops. They are collaborating with states to secure additional green energy for train operations. This collective effort will assist India in reaching its net zero targets, Vaishnaw concluded.

Point of View

It is clear that the initiatives taken by Indian Railways are crucial for achieving India's environmental goals. The transition to electrification and clean energy is not just a policy decision; it represents a commitment to fostering a sustainable future for all citizens.
NationPress
10/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the environmental benefits of Indian Railways?
Indian Railways is significantly reducing CO2 emissions through electrification and a shift from road to rail transport, which is cleaner and more efficient.
How much cargo does Indian Railways transport?
Indian Railways transported 1,617 million tonnes of cargo in 2024-25, making it the second-largest cargo carrier globally.
What is the target for Indian Railways to achieve net zero emissions?
The target set by PM Modi for Indian Railways to achieve net zero emissions is 2030, with a potential for Scope 1 emissions to be net zero by 2025.
How does rail transport compare to road transport in terms of cost?
Transporting goods by rail costs nearly half as much as by road, resulting in significant savings for businesses and the economy.
What is the role of green energy in Indian Railways?
Indian Railways is increasingly utilizing green energy for its operations, helping to further reduce its carbon footprint.