The Indian Railways is getting closer to its goal of complete electrification. The Ministry of Railways stated that a total of 3375 Route Kilometres (RKM) have been electrified in the fiscal year 2022-23 until January 31st, compared to 2452 RKM in the fiscal year 2021-22 for the same period, representing a 38% increase.
The achievement is remarkable because, prior to 2014, the electrification of the railway network was proceeding at a normal pace. However, the project has now moved at a breakneck pace. Once fully electrified, Indian Railways will be a game changer in the Indian energy sector, and the country will have a great opportunity to develop its freight and passenger segments without having to follow the high-carbon path that other countries have taken in the past.
To reduce India's reliance on fossil fuels and become the world's largest 'Green Railways,' the Indian Railways has completed electrification work in 85% of RKMs.
This means that once the railway network is fully electrified, diesel locomotive-hauled trains will be phased out, helping to reduce pollution and India's reliance on imported fuel. The project will contribute to the country's energy security by providing an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. There are two approaches to electrification:
The first is to electrify India's entire Broad Gauge network, and the second is to unleash the railways' potential for using renewable energy, particularly solar, by utilising vast land parcels available along the railway track.
- Beginning in 2024, approximately 30 billion units of electricity will be required for electrification, creating incredible opportunities for renewable energy generation.
– Overhead line equipment such as conductors, transformers, and insulators will naturally increase in demand, creating massive opportunities for suppliers.
- With more solar and wind power installations, direct power purchase agreements are likely to increase.
- As more sidings are electrified, much faster loading and unloading will be possible, giving siding owners the opportunity to transport more goods via electric trains. Sidings are low-speed tracks that are disconnected from the main line, branch line, or spur.
- Electrification will also open up a plethora of opportunities for rolling stock companies. Even electric locomotives will pick up speed.
- Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms are expected to have a plethora of opportunities in the creation of infrastructure for railway electrification.
- Substation capacity would be increased, creating opportunities for transmission and distribution utilities.
See also:
CORE completes electrifying numerous segments and routes
Indian Railways surges ahead on electrification drive
