Central Railway (CR) achieved a significant milestone with 100% electrification of its entire broad gauge network, thus shrinking 5,204 lakh tonne of its carbon footprint and saving Rs 1,670 crore annually.
Indian Railway, which aims to become the largest ‘green’ railway network in the world, is moving towards becoming a “net zero carbon emitter” before 2030. PM Modi congratulated the team on its feat, which was achieved by CR on February 23 with the electrification of the last non-electrified section of Ausa Road Latur Road on Solapur Division.
Naresh Lalwani, general manager at Central Railway said, “Railway is guided by a historical vision of being an environment friendly, efficient, cost effective, punctual and a modern carrier of passengers as well as the freight to serve the growing needs of New India. This will also significantly reduce the fuel bill and earn carbon credits. ”
The pace of railway electrification has been increased by nine times since 2014. Railways has planned electrification of broad gauge routes, which will facilitate elimination of diesel traction resulting in significant reduction in its carbon footprint and environmental pollution.
Apart from environmental friendly mode of transport, electrification also offers advantages like reduced dependence on imported diesel fuel saving foreign currency, reduced operating cost, haulage of heavier freight trains and longer passenger trains with high haulage capacity of electric locomotives leading to increase throughout, and increased sectional capacity by eliminating detention on account of traction change.