In a remarkable feat of engineering and infrastructure development, the Indian Railways has electrified approximately 94% of its total Broad Gauge (BG) network. Since the fiscal year 2014-15, the national railway network has witnessed an electrification surge, completing about 40,000 route kilometres on the BG network. This marks a significant jump from electrifying approximately 1.42 kilometres per day between 2004 and 2014 to an impressive 18 kilometres per day in the 2022-23 period.
As of now, a substantial 61,813 route kilometres on the BG network have been electrified, reflecting the tremendous progress made by Indian Railways in adopting cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation. The remaining electrification projects for the BG network are already in progress, showcasing the commitment of the railways towards modernization and environmental responsibility.
Over the course of 2014-23, a staggering ₹43,346 crore has been invested in the electrification initiatives, emphasizing the substantial financial commitment to this transformative project. Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2023-24, an additional ₹8,070 crore has been allocated for further electrification efforts, indicating a continuous push towards completing the electrification of the entire BG network.
The electrification drive is a part of the broader vision to enhance efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and improve the overall sustainability of the Indian Railways. By electrifying a vast portion of the BG network, the railways aim to achieve operational excellence while contributing to the global efforts for a greener and more eco-friendly transportation sector.
In addition to electrification, Indian Railways has ambitious plans for infrastructural development, with a focus on enhancing connectivity across the nation. As of April 1, 2023, a total of 459 railway infrastructure projects are in various stages of planning, approval, and construction. These projects, including 189 new lines, 39 gauge conversions, and 231 doublings, span an impressive total length of 46,360 kilometres. The estimated cost for these projects stands at approximately ₹7.18 lakh crore, illustrating the scale of the railways’ commitment to expanding and modernizing its network.
