By Swastika Chowdhury
For the upcoming net zero 2030 project, Indian Railways is creating a diversified energy plan that includes nuclear, solar, hydropower, wind, and thermal sources, as confirmed by the officials. By 2030, the plan seeks to meet the 10-gigawatt (GW) traction demand set by the national transporter for train operations.
Indian Railways also plans to purchase 3 GW of renewable energy, such as hydropower, in addition to 3 GW from thermal and nuclear sources in order to meet its energy demands by 2030. Agreements with power distribution firms will be used to meet the remaining 4 GW traction needs.
According to officials, Indian Railways is moving closer to electrifying all of its broad gauge routes by the end of the current fiscal year. About 95% of trains will run on electricity by 2025–2026, bringing the railways’ yearly direct carbon emissions down to 1.37 million tonnes, where they will stay until 2030.
Speaking to the Economic Times under anonymity, a senior official stated: “The electricity ministry has received requests to set aside about 2 GW of nuclear power for railways. electricity purchase agreements and new joint venture proposals will provide an additional 2 GW of thermal electricity. Plans for 500 megawatts of continuous renewable energy are being created, the official stated.
Hydropower plants with a 1.5 GW capacity are also being planned for railway electric delivery.
According to an official, “With nearly 95% of trains running on electricity from 2025-26 onwards, the direct carbon emissions of the railways will come down to 1.37 million tonnes per year and will remain the same till 2030,” adding that afforestation efforts might successfully offset these emissions.
The official further stated, “Steps will also be taken to incorporate carbon negative practices through energy efficiency at railway production units and green railway stations.”
Making the switch to electric traction has both economical and environmental advantages. In 2025–2026, the railways are expected to spend €9,528.53 crore on diesel fuel, the least amount they have spent on diesel in more than a decade.