Indian Railways Eyes Nuclear Power To Meet Growing Energy Demands

Indian Railways (IR) is looking to nuclear power to meet its increasing energy demands, according to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In a recent statement in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw revealed that the Ministry of Railways is in discussions with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Ministry of Power (MoP) to allocate nuclear power for the railway system’s traction needs.

Vaishnaw confirmed that Indian Railways is exploring ways to source power from both existing and upcoming nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy, he emphasized, offers a clean and reliable alternative to the traditional fossil fuels that railways currently rely on, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.

“Utilizing nuclear power will not only help meet the growing energy needs of Indian Railways but will also support our commitment to sustainability,” the Minister said.

Subsidy And Fare Concessions For Passengers

In addition to energy strategies, Vaishnaw also addressed the issue of fare concessions, revealing that Indian Railways provided a subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore on passenger tickets in the fiscal year 2022-23. This subsidy amounts to an average fare concession of 46 percent for all passengers.

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To put it in perspective, the Minister explained that if the cost of providing a service is Rs 100, passengers only pay Rs 54, thanks to the subsidy.

“This subsidy continues for all passengers, with additional concessions available for specific categories, including Divyangjans (persons with disabilities), patients in 11 different categories, and students from eight categories,” he added.

Passenger Travel And Special Provisions For Seniors And Women

During the period between 2020-21 and 2024-25 (up to December 2024), Indian Railways saw around 2,357.8 crore passengers traveling, including senior citizens. The Minister also highlighted the efforts the Railways is making to ensure the comfort of elderly and female passengers.

In response to this, the Railway Ministry has set aside a combined reservation quota of six to seven lower berths per coach in sleeper class, four to five lower berths per coach in Air-Conditioned 3-tier (3AC), and three to four lower berths per coach in Air-Conditioned 2-tier (2AC) classes.

These reserved seats are specifically for senior citizens, women aged 45 and above, and pregnant women, depending on the number of coaches in the train.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable and Inclusive Future For Indian Railways

As Indian Railways continues to expand and modernize, the integration of nuclear energy and the ongoing subsidy and concession initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to both sustainability and passenger welfare. The efforts underscore the Railways’ proactive approach to addressing the future needs of millions of travelers across the country.