Indian Railways achieved 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network as of July 22, 2026, making it the world's second most electrified large railway system after Switzerland. Rail electrification reduces diesel fuel dependency, cuts carbon emissions, lowers operating costs, and enables higher train speeds. Indian Railways targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. India's first electric train ran in 1925 (Victoria Terminus to Kurla, Bombay). The Railways Ministry has been on an electrification overdrive — completing approximately 7,000 route km of electrification annually in recent years.
Environment
Indian Railways Achieves 99.6% Broad Gauge Electrification — World's Second Most Electrified Large Rail Network After Switzerland
Key Points
- Indian Railways achieved 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network as of July 22, 2026, making it the world's second most electrified large railway system after Switzerland
- Rail electrification reduces diesel fuel dependency, cuts carbon emissions, lowers operating costs, and enables higher train speeds
- Indian Railways targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2030
- India's first electric train ran in 1925 (Victoria Terminus to Kurla, Bombay)
- The Railways Ministry has been on an electrification overdrive — completing approximately 7,000 route km of electrification annually in recent years
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• Indian Railways: 99.6% broad gauge electrification (July 22, 2026); world's 2nd most electrified (after Switzerland) • Benefits: reduced diesel dependency, lower carbon emissions, lower operating costs, higher speeds • Indian Railways net-zero target: 2030; first electric train in India: 1925 (Bombay) • Indian Railways: 4th largest rail network (68,000+ km); Ministry of Railways; Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
