Dedicated to Complete Railways Electrification and Enhance Renewable Energy: Ashwini Vaishnaw
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Synopsis
On February 25, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Indian government's commitment to achieve 'Net Zero' carbon emissions through complete electrification of Indian Railways by 2025-26, alongside a focus on maximizing renewable energy procurement.
Key Takeaways
- 100% electrification of Indian Railways by 2025-26.
- Secured 4,260 MW solar and 3,427 MW wind energy.
- Collaboration with RUMSL for solar power supply.
- Commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable transport.
- Record budget of Rs 14,745 crore for Madhya Pradesh railway sector.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) The government is focused on reaching ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions for Indian Railways, with plans for complete electrification set to finish by the financial year 2025-26, stated Union Minister for Railways and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The upcoming goal is to enhance renewable energy procurement. To date, Indian Railways has secured 4,260 MW (installed) of solar energy and 3,427 MW (installed) of wind energy for its energy needs, the minister mentioned during his address to investors and entrepreneurs at the ‘Global Investors Summit 2025’ held in Madhya Pradesh via video conferencing.
In line with this vision, Indian Railways has already secured 1,500 MW of renewable energy. Strengthening this commitment, a notable 170 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was established with the Madhya Pradesh government.
This achievement signifies the procurement of India's most affordable solar power at Rs 2.15/kWh, with the minister expressing eagerness to explore wind and nuclear energy procurement.
The Madhya Pradesh government, through Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Limited (RUMSL), is providing solar power to Indian Railways from its largest solar park.
Vaishnaw praised state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for his proactive role in enhancing railway development in the state. He reiterated the Indian government’s firm commitment to a sustainable and green future for the country's transport network.
“Indian Railways is devoted to achieving net-zero emissions and transitioning from road to rail transport to foster environmental sustainability, decrease oil imports, and reduce overall logistics costs,” said the Union Minister.
“As part of this vision, it is fulfilling its energy needs through non-fossil sources like solar, wind, and nuclear power. The collaboration with RUMSL is a vital step in this direction,” he added.
Alongside establishing its own solar systems, Indian Railways is also acquiring solar power through PPA agreements with developers. By 2030, Indian Railways' traction power requirement is projected to hit 10,000 MW. So far, it has secured 4,260 MW of installed solar capacity and 3,427 MW of installed wind capacity to satisfy its energy demands, the Minister stated.
Vaishnaw called on all states to contribute renewable energy — whether it be solar, wind, hydro, or nuclear power — to Indian Railways, highlighting a cooperative approach to sustainable energy.
Emphasizing the record budget allocation of Rs 14,745 crore for Madhya Pradesh’s railway sector for FY2025-26, the Union Minister remarked that this is the highest budgetary allocation for the state.
