Why in the News?
Indian Railways has become the largest electrified rail network in the world, with about 99.2 percent of its broad gauge network electrified as of November 2025.
About Indian Railways Electrification Achievement
- Indian Railways is India’s national transporter and one of the world’s largest railway networks
- It has achieved near complete electrification of its broad gauge routes
- The milestone was achieved under Mission 100 percent Railway Electrification
Background
- Railway electrification in India began in 1925
- Mission mode acceleration started after 2014
Objectives of Mission 100 percent Railway Electrification
- Eliminate diesel traction
- Shift to clean electric traction
- Reduce carbon emissions and air pollution
- Lower fuel import dependence
- Improve speed, reliability, and operational efficiency
Key Features and Data
- About 99.2 percent of nearly 70,000 route kilometres electrified
- Electrification speed increased from
• 1.42 km per day during 2004 to 2014
• More than 15 km per day during 2019 to 2025 - 25 States and Union Territories fully electrified
- Only around 0.8 percent network remains non electrified
Renewable Energy Integration
- Solar capacity increased from 3.68 MW in 2014 to about 898 MW in 2025
- Supports cleaner traction and lower operational emissions
- Aligns with India’s renewable energy and climate goals
Technological Advancements
- Use of Automatic Wiring Trains
- Mechanised Overhead Equipment foundation systems
- Faster and safer electrification with reduced manual intervention
| [2025] Consider the following statements:
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028 II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section. Which of the statements given above are not correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III |
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