Indian Railways to have world's largest green rail network by 2030

In a big stimulus to climate action, India will achieve the coveted status of having the world’s largest “green railway network” by 2030.

The Railway Ministry said Indian Railways will become a “net-zero carbon emitter” in seven years when it reaches the target of 100 per cent electrification of its network.

It has just completed electrification of the rail system in India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. “Indian Railways has thus achieved a milestone. Indian Railways has already completed the electrification of the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand,” the Railway Ministry said in an announcement.

State-owned Indian Railways subsidiary, the Northern and North Eastern Railway, said electrification of its network in Uttarakhand will make train travel more comfortable for international and domestic tourists alike. Tourist attractions, which attract international visitors such as the Jim Corbett National Park, a famous tiger reserve, and the hill station of Mussoorie, fall under this state’s rail network.

Uttarakhand’s train system has existed since 1884 and some of the trains operating there have acquired legendary status among those who are passionate about train travel worldwide. All new rail routes to be constructed under the Northern and North Eastern Railway will be fully electrified, the announcement said.

WAM