A Century-Long Journey of Electrification
Railway electrification in India began a century ago in 1925 with the first electric train running between Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla Harbour. Powered by a 1500 Volt DC system, the short suburban route marked the country’s first step toward energy-efficient rail transport.
Progress remained slow for decades. At the time of Independence, only 388 route kilometers were electrified, and steam and diesel locomotives dominated rail operations. Meaningful expansion occurred gradually, but the pace remained limited until the last decade.
Rapid Acceleration in the Last Decade
The electrification drive gained unprecedented momentum after 2014. While Indian Railways electrified tracks at an average pace of about 1.42 kilometers per day between 2004 and 2014, this surged to more than 15 kilometers per day between 2019 and 2025.
Electrified route share increased from 24% in 2000 to 40% in 2017, crossed 96% by the end of 2024, and reached 99.2% by November 2025. In total, 69,427 route kilometers have been electrified, including nearly 46,900 kilometers added in just over a decade.
Status Snapshot Across States
Out of India’s 70,001 Broad Gauge route kilometers, 25 States and Union Territories have achieved 100% electrification. Only five States have small residual sections pending, together accounting for just 574 route kilometers, or 0.8% of the total network.
States such as Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, and Goa are completing the final stretches, bringing the mission closer to full completion.
Why Electrification Matters
Electrification is central to Indian Railways’ strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth. Electric traction is cleaner, more reliable, and nearly 70% more economical than diesel traction. It reduces fuel imports, cuts emissions, and improves operational efficiency.
Beyond environmental benefits, electrification supports faster train operations, higher hauling capacity, and better connectivity, boosting economic activity along railway corridors.
India Among Global Leaders
With 99.2% electrification, Indian Railways ranks among the world’s most electrified rail networks. According to the International Union of Railways, India surpasses major economies such as China, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom in electrification coverage.
This global standing highlights India’s ability to execute large-scale infrastructure transformation within ambitious timelines.
Railways on Solar Power
Renewable energy adoption has become a key pillar of the electrification mission. Indian Railways has expanded its solar power capacity from just 3.68 MW in 2014 to an impressive 898 MW by November 2025.
Solar installations now cover 2,626 railway stations nationwide. Around 70% of the solar capacity is used directly for train traction, while the rest powers stations, workshops, and residential facilities.
Engineering the Future
The electrification drive has been supported by modern engineering practices. Mechanised cylindrical foundations have replaced manual excavation, significantly reducing construction time.
Automatic Wiring Trains now install overhead equipment with precision and speed, ensuring consistent quality and faster project completion.
More Than Modernisation
Mission 100% Electrification is not just a technical upgrade. It is reshaping Indian Railways into a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient national transporter. Each electrified route represents progress toward a greener future and better connectivity.
As the final miles are completed, Indian Railways stands ready to enter a new era where sustainability and scale move together on steel tracks.
