Railways Expands Renewable Energy Capacity to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2030.

Indian Railways is accelerating its transition to renewable energy as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The national transporter has installed 756 MW of renewable energy capacity, covering around 8% of its projected 10,000 MW traction power requirement by 2030.

To further its green energy efforts, the Railways has already secured 1,500 MW of renewable power and is in the process of developing its own solar energy systems. As of February, commitments for 4,260 MW of installed solar capacity and 3,427 MW of installed wind capacity have been secured.

The transport sector contributes 12% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the railway industry accounting for 4%. In addition to solar and wind, the Railways is exploring other renewable sources, such as hydropower and nuclear energy. Discussions are underway with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd for a potential supply of 1,500 MW of nuclear power. However, past negotiations for nuclear energy usage in train traction have faced hurdles due to high per-unit costs.

As per a recent response from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Parliament, the Railways' commissioned renewable energy capacities include 553 MW of solar power (rooftop and land), 103 MW of wind power, and 100 MW of round-the-clock hybrid power. The Railways is also securing renewable energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs) with developers.

Earlier this year, it signed a 170 MW PPA with the Madhya Pradesh government, securing solar power at a competitive rate of ₹2.15/kWh through Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Ltd (RUMSL).

Nearly 98% of the Railways' broad gauge network has been electrified, with 45,922 km electrified between 2014 and February 2025, compared to 21,801 km in previous years.

The Railways has partnered with multiple sources to secure solar power, including 203 MW from rooftop installations on stations and service buildings, 50 MW from Bhilai Solar Power Plant, 400 MW from RUMSL in Madhya Pradesh, 800 MW from Bundelkhand Solar Urban Ltd (BSUL), 500 MW from IRCON’s Karnataka facility, and 2,200 MW through Rajasthan-based NTPC tie-ups.

By expanding its renewable energy portfolio, Indian Railways aims to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on thermal power, and contribute to India’s broader sustainability goals.

HBL