Indian Railways Aims for Net Zero Emissions by 2025
In a significant advancement for environmental sustainability, Indian Railways is on track to achieve its ‘Scope 1 net zero’ goal by the end of December 2023, surpassing its initial target of 2030. This milestone will see the national transporter offsetting 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), exceeding its emissions by 200,000 tonnes. The achievement is largely attributed to extensive electrification efforts that have transformed the energy landscape of train operations across the country.
Electrification Efforts Driving Change
Indian Railways has made substantial progress in its electrification initiatives, with over 90% of its traction energy now sourced from electric power. This figure is expected to rise to 95% by the fiscal year 2029-30. The shift to electric traction is a critical component of the railways’ strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Official data indicates that carbon emissions have already decreased from 3.32 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2023-24 to 2.02 mtpa with 90% electric traction. Projections suggest that this figure could drop to 1.37 mtpa by 2025-26, further solidifying the railways’ commitment to sustainability.
The government-operated railway network is also focusing on minimizing indirect emissions, particularly those arising from electricity generated by thermal power stations. By transitioning to cleaner energy sources, Indian Railways aims to enhance its overall environmental performance while maintaining operational efficiency.
Future Energy Requirements and Sources
Looking ahead, Indian Railways anticipates a requirement of approximately 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity for its operations by 2030. The distribution plan includes sourcing 3 GW from renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, with an additional 3 GW expected from thermal and nuclear power. The remaining 4 GW will be secured through arrangements with power distribution companies.
To support this ambitious energy strategy, Indian Railways has submitted requests to the power ministry for around 2 GW of nuclear power. Additionally, plans are in place to acquire 2 GW of thermal power through new joint ventures and power purchase agreements. Ongoing negotiations aim to secure 500 megawatts of round-the-clock renewable energy procurement, further diversifying the energy mix.
Financial Benefits of Electrification
The transition to electric power not only offers environmental benefits but also presents significant financial advantages for Indian Railways. The projected expenditure on diesel for traction is expected to decrease to Rs 9,528.53 crore in 2025-26, marking the lowest diesel spending in over a decade. This reduction in diesel consumption aligns with the railways’ broader sustainability goals and reflects a commitment to reducing operational costs while enhancing environmental stewardship.
As Indian Railways continues to implement its electrification and renewable energy strategies, it sets a precedent for other sectors in India, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to both ecological and economic benefits. The ongoing efforts underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources in the fight against climate change.
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