Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network, becoming the world’s second-most electrified large railway system and marking a major milestone in sustainable, energy-efficient rail transportation.

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• Indian Railways completed 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network as of 22 July 2026, ranking second globally among large railway systems after Switzerland.
• Railway electrification enables trains to operate using electric traction, improving operational efficiency, lowering fuel consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and decreasing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• Between 2014 and 2026, Indian Railways electrified 48,072 route kilometres, more than double the 21,801 route kilometres electrified during the six decades before 2014.
• Diesel consumption for train operations declined sharply from 293 crore litres in 2015-16 to 108 crore litres in 2024-25, reflecting rapid progress in India’s clean energy transition.
• Switzerland leads global railway electrification with 100%, followed by India at 99.6%, while China has 82%, Spain 67%, Japan 64%, France 60%, and the United Kingdom 39%.
• Rail transport emits nearly 89% less carbon dioxide per tonne-kilometre than road transport, making electrification a key contributor to India’s environmental sustainability and climate goals.
• By June 2026, Indian Railways had commissioned over 1,260 MW of renewable energy capacity, including 1,161 MW of solar power and 103 MW of wind power.
• Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the latest electrification achievements in the Lok Sabha, highlighting continued investments in integrated electrification for new railway lines and multi-tracking projects.