The Indian Railways has logged the highest-ever electrification of sections covering 6,015 RKM in FY21. Despite COVID-19, it has surpassed the previous highest of 5,276 RKM achieved in FY19.
The latest broad gauge network of the Indian Railways is 63,949 RKM and with 740 km of Konkan Railway is 64,689 RKM, out of which 45,881 RKM i.e. 71 percent have been electrified by 31 March 2021.
A lot of emphasis has been given to railway electrification with a view to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum-based energy and enhance the country’s energy security, with a vision of providing eco-friendly, faster and energy-efficient mode of transportation.
More than five times electrification was achieved during 2014-21 as compared to during 2007-14. Since 2014, a record 24,080 RKM or 37 percent of present broad gauge routes have been electrified against electrification of 4,337 RKM or seven percent of present broad gauge routes during 2007-14. Out of total 45,881 RKM electrified so far, 34 percent has been electrified in last three years.
The Indian Railways has also commissioned a record 56 traction substations during FY21, as against previous best of 42, which is an improvement of 33 percent despite COVID. A total of 201 traction substations have been commissioned during last seven years.
The Indian Railways has planned to fully electrify its tracks by December 2023.
