As of 2024-25, the electrification of the broad-gauge network has reached 99.6%, bringing diesel consumption down to roughly 37% of what it was in 2016-17. In 2015-16, the first year after the electrification program began in mission mode, diesel consumption stood at 293 crore litres. By 2024-25, it had fallen to 108 crore litres, with further declines expected.
An official noted that the railway electrification program has helped shield operations from global fuel supply challenges. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sourcing power from renewable energy for railway operations.
This shift to electrification has also resulted in significant foreign exchange savings for the government by reducing the need to import diesel.
Data shows that while Indian Railways had electrified only 21,801 route kilometers by 2014, it has electrified an additional 48,072 route kilometers over the past 12 years.
Logistics sector insiders highlighted the importance of accelerated electrification, especially amid the West Asia conflict. They emphasized that line haul costs for electric traction are substantially lower—about one-sixth for passenger transport and nearly one-third for freight—compared to diesel traction.
The current focus on renewable energy integration is set to make Indian Railways an even cleaner and more sustainable mode of transport.
