"Indian Railways Achieves 6,577 Route Kilometers Electrification in Calendar Year 2023"

The Indian Railways marked a significant achievement by electrifying 6,577 route kilometres (RKMs) in the calendar year 2023, as announced by the government on Monday. Emphasizing its commitment to providing an eco-friendly, faster, and energy-efficient mode of transportation, the Ministry of Railways stated in a press release that the railways are advancing towards achieving 100% electrification of Broad Gauge tracks.

With the latest electrification figures, the Indian Railways has accomplished 93.83% electrification of the total Broad Gauge route, which amounts to 61,508 Route Kilometers out of the total 65,556 RKMs.

Setting an ambitious target to become the world's largest green railway by 2030, the government underscored the rapid pace of electrification initiatives under the Narendra Modi government. It noted that until the year 2014, 21,801 KM of the broad gauge network had been electrified.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed during the winter session of the Parliament in December 2023 that the railways would require approximately 30.13 billion units of electricity after achieving 100% electrification. He clarified that the actual demand would depend on the future passenger and goods traffic over Indian Railways.

So far, the Indian Railways has successfully achieved 100% railway electrification in at least 14 states/Union Territories. The robust push towards electrification aligns with the government's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals endorsed by the United Nations.

BS