On the lines of setting the target of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030, the Indian Railways is achieving significant milestones each day by 100% electrifying the Broad Gauge Railway Network of 3 different states in the month of March.
Switching to electric locomotives has brought about numerous benefits, including reduced line haul costs, increased hauling capacity, and decreased operating and maintenance expenses. Furthermore, this eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation has reduced our reliance on imported crude oil, leading to significant savings in foreign exchange.
Chhattisgarh
The 100% electrification of the 1,170 km route will lead to considerable cost savings by reducing line haul costs. It is estimated that these costs will be approximately 2.5 times lower than the current levels.
The importance of Chhattisgarh State in the Indian railway sector cannot be overstated. The state's abundant natural resources, including minerals and agricultural products, are transported to other parts of the country through railways, generating significant revenue for the sector. With the highest freight loading in the country, Chhattisgarh's railway network plays a vital role in the transportation of goods and the growth of the Indian economy.
Chhattisgarh state falls under the jurisdiction of the South East Central and East Coast Railway, and the region boasts several significant railway stations, such as Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg, and Korba. Located on the Mumbai-Howrah main line, Bilaspur is the largest railway station in Chhattisgarh and serves as a crucial junction connecting major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Odisha
By fully electrifying the existing 2,822 route kilometers of Odisha's Broad Gauge network, the Indian Railways has achieved 100% electrification. This has led to substantial savings due to reduced line haul costs, which are around 2.5 times lower.
With its increased hauling capacity, expanded sectional capacity, and reduced operating and maintenance expenses, the upgraded electric railway network provides an energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
As per the Indian Railways' policy of a 100% electrified network, new Broad Gauge tracks will also be sanctioned ensuring a synchronized approach toward creating an entirely electrified network.
Odisha state falls under the East Coast, South Eastern, and South East Central Railways' jurisdiction and has major railway stations at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda. Its railway system is instrumental in facilitating the transportation of minerals, agricultural products, and other goods across India.
Haryana
Northern, North Central, and North Western Railways have jurisdiction over the railway infrastructure in Haryana. Some of the key railway stations in the state are Ambala, Panipat, Gurgaon, Kurukshetra, Hisar Junction, Rewari Junction, Rohtak Junction, and Bhiwani.
The Broad Gauge network in Haryana extends over 1,701 Route kilometres and has recently been fully electrified. This has resulted in significant cost savings due to reduced line haul costs. As per the Indian Railways' policy of a 100% electrified network, new Broad Gauge tracks will also be sanctioned ensuring a synchronized approach toward creating an entirely electrified network.
Indian Railways is working towards the goal of Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. Toward achieving this goal, the Indian Railways has fully electrified a total of 5693 route kilometres in the month of March. With this, the Indian Railways has electrified more than 85% of the total railway network.
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