Indian Railways will rely on a mix of nuclear, solar, hydropower, wind, and thermal energy to achieve its net zero target by 2030, officials said. This strategy will help meet the 10-gigawatt (GW) traction power demand needed to run trains by the end of the decade.
Railways To Source Power From Multiple Sources
The national transporter plans to buy 3 GW of renewable energy, including hydropower, and another 3 GW of thermal and nuclear power by 2030. The remaining 4 GW will come from tie-ups with power distribution companies.
Officials have requested 2 GW of nuclear power from the power ministry and plan to secure 2 GW of thermal power through joint ventures and agreements. Additionally, a 500-megawatt round-the-clock renewable energy tie-up and 1.5 GW of hydropower projects are in the pipeline.
Electrification To Reduce Carbon Emissions
Indian Railways is on track to achieve 100% broad-gauge electrification this financial year. By 2025-26, 95% of trains will run on electricity, reducing direct carbon emissions to 1.37 million tonnes per year. These emissions will remain stable until 2030 and can be offset through afforestation.
Currently, 90% of trains operate on electricity, a major jump from 63% three years ago. Officials also plan to implement carbon-negative measures at railway production units and green railway stations. The shift to electricity will cut fuel costs, with diesel expenditure expected to drop to ₹9,528.53 crore in 2025-26, the lowest in over a decade.
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