Railways’ electrification drive enters final stretch with just 269 km left to complete green network
New Delhi: The Indian Railways is on the verge of completing one of the world’s largest railway electrification programmes, with only 269 route kilometres (RKM)
New Delhi: The Indian Railways is on the verge of completing one of the world’s largest railway electrification programmes, with only 269 route kilometres (RKM) of its more than 70,000-RKM broad gauge network yet to be brought under electric traction, according to the latest railway ministry data. As of 31 May 2026, 70,002 RKM of the 70,271-RKM broad-gauge network have been electrified, bringing overall coverage to 99.6%. This means the national transporter is within touching distance of achieving 100% electrification, a milestone expected to significantly reduce fuel costs, improve freight efficiency, and help meet its ambitious net-zero carbon target. The remaining work is concentrated largely in a handful of states, including Karnataka (120 RKM), Tamil Nadu (68 RKM), Assam (55 RKM), Goa (16 RKM) and Rajasthan (10 RKM), reflecting the complexities of completing the last-mile stretches. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 How much of the Indian Railways' broad gauge network has been electrified as of May 2026? ⌵ As of May 2026, 70,002 route kilometres (RKM) of the Indian Railways' broad gauge network have been electrified, achieving an overall coverage of 99.6%. 2 What is the significance of Indian Railways' electrification in terms of carbon emissions? ⌵ The electrification of Indian Railways is vital for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, highlighting a commitment to sustainable transportation by reducing reliance on imported diesel and benefiting from renewable energy use. 3 How much has Indian Railways allocated for electrification projects in the financial year 2026-27?
⌵ Indian Railways has allocated ₹5,000 crore for electrification works in the financial year 2026-27 to expedite the completion of the remaining sections. 4 Why is completing the last stretches of electrification in certain states challenging? ⌵ Completing the last-mile stretches of electrification in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is complex due to difficult terrain and logistical challenges. 5 What benefits does electric traction offer over diesel for the Indian Railways? ⌵ Electric traction significantly reduces fuel costs, enhances freight efficiency, allows for regenerative braking, and supports the deployment of more powerful locomotives, improving overall operational efficiency. The railways allocated ₹5,000 crore for electrification works in 2026-27, with officials expecting the remaining sections to be completed during the current financial year, subject to execution challenges in difficult terrain. Key Takeaways Railways is 99.6% electrified; only 269 route km now remain nationwide. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Goa, and Rajasthan hold the last unfinished stretches. The pace of electrification jumped nearly 14-fold from 2009-14 to 2019-24. Electric traction costs 60% of diesel; viable on high-traffic freight routes. Expert warns coal-heavy power grid undercuts railways' ‘green’ electrification claim. The electrification programme is central to the Railways’ strategy of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, four decades ahead of India’s economy-wide target of 2070. Besides reducing dependence on imported diesel, electric traction also enables regenerative braking and greater use of renewable energy, helping lower the carbon footprint of rail transport. An emailed query sent to the railway ministry remained unanswered till press time.
The BriefWire