Indian Railways: A Green Promise for Tomorrow
Indian Railways is not just a mode of transport but a crucial component in India's journey towards sustainability and decarbonization, aligning with the Panchamrit goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve net zero by 2070.
Achievements and Impacts
- Passenger and Cargo Transport
- Over 700 crore passengers traveled by train last year.
- Cargo transport increased from 1,055 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 1,617 million tonnes in 2024-25, making Indian Railways the second-largest cargo-carrying railway globally.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits
- Shift from road to rail saved over 143 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 121 crore trees.
- Transporting goods by rail costs nearly half compared to road, saving Rs 3.2 lakh crore in logistics costs over a decade.
- Railways release 90% less CO2 than trucks, contributing to cleaner air.
- Saved 2,857 crore litres of diesel, translating to Rs 2 lakh crore in fuel cost savings.
Infrastructure Developments
- Electrification
- Electrified 47,000 km in the past 11 years, reaching 99% electrification of the broad-gauge network.
- Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) spanning 2,741 km are operational, reducing congestion and emissions.
- Green Energy Integration
- Increased use of green energy in stations, factories, and workshops.
- Partnerships with states to further green energy use in train operations.
Innovations and Future Goals
- Hydrogen-Powered Trains
- Introduction of the first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, set to carry 2,600 passengers and be the world's most powerful and longest hydrogen train.
- Global Recognition
- Boost in India's Logistics Performance Index, now ranked 38th out of 139 countries, an improvement of 16 places since 2014.
- Commitment to Zero Emissions
- Indian Railways aims to achieve net zero emissions (scope 1) by 2025.
On World Environment Day, Indian Railways reiterates its pledge to sustainable development, symbolized by electrified tracks, solar panels, and freight containers off the roads, marking a promise to both the people and the planet.