Electrification in Indian Railways began in 1925, when the first electric train operated between Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla Harbour in Maharashtra on a 1,500-volt DC system. Today, 25 States and Union Territories have fully electrified their BG railway routes, achieving 100% electrification.
Only five states remain with non-electrified sections, totaling 269 route kilometres. These states are Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Karnataka, and Goa. The current progress in these states is as follows:
– Rajasthan: 6,504 of 6,514 RKm electrified, 10 RKm remaining – Tamil Nadu: 3,858 of 3,926 RKm electrified, 68 RKm remaining – Assam: 2,534 of 2,589 RKm electrified, 55 RKm remaining – Karnataka: 3,623 of 3,743 RKm electrified, 120 RKm remaining – Goa: 171 of 187 RKm electrified, 16 RKm remaining
Indian Railways continues to sanction and construct new line and multi-tracking projects with electrification to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The electrification drive aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve train operations.
The Ministry of Railways has noted that completing electrification projects depends on several factors including forest clearances, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory approvals, geological and topographical challenges, law and order conditions, and climatic factors that affect working months at project sites.
With continued efforts, Indian Railways is on the brink of achieving 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge network in the near future.
