Indian Railways becomes the biggest electrified rail system globally
Context: Indian Railways has become the largest electrified rail network in the world, with about 99.2% of its broad-gauge network electrified by November 2025.
About Indian Railways becomes the biggest electrified rail system globally:
What it is?
- Indian Railways is India’s national transporter, operating one of the world’s largest rail networks.
- It has now achieved near-complete electrification of its broad-gauge routes, surpassing other major global railway systems.
Initiative under: Mission 100% Railway Electrification
Launched in:
- The electrification drive began historically in 1925, but Mission-mode acceleration was undertaken post-2014.
Aim:
- Eliminate diesel traction and shift to cleaner electric traction.
- Reduce carbon emissions, fuel import dependence, and operating costs.
- Improve speed, reliability, and efficiency of train operations.
Key features:
- 99.2% electrification of ~70,000 route km broad-gauge network (as of Nov 2025).
- Electrification pace increased from 1.42 km/day (2004–14) to 15+ km/day (2019–25).
- 25 States/UTs fully electrified; only ~0.8% network pending.
- Massive renewable integration: Solar capacity expanded from 3.68 MW (2014) to 898 MW (2025).
- Adoption of modern technologies like Automatic Wiring Trains and mechanised OHE foundations.
Significance:
- Major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
- Electric traction is ~70% cheaper than diesel, lowering operating costs.
- Reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels; increased use of renewables.