Gujarat Achieves 100% Rail Electrification: A Step Towards Green Mobility

Gujarat has marked a significant achievement in India’s green transportation mission by becoming the 24th State/Union Territory to attain 100% railway electrification. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during the inauguration of the Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory, a major industrial and eco-conscious initiative. This milestone is a testament to India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its rail network and transition to a sustainable, energy-efficient transportation infrastructure.

Why in News?

The news is relevant because Gujarat recently joined 23 other States/UTs in achieving full electrification of its rail routes. The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory, which will produce India’s first 9000 HP electric freight locomotives, in partnership with Siemens. The milestone comes amid India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the railways by 2030.

Aim & Objectives

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lower operational costs and improve energy efficiency.
• Contribute to India’s target of net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Modernize and green the railway infrastructure for improved freight and passenger services.

Background and Development

• The first electric train in India ran between Mumbai and Thane in 1925.
• Indian Railways set up the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE), headquartered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to accelerate electrification.
• Electrification was slow initially, but efforts were significantly scaled post-2014.

Electrification Milestones

• 1948–2014: 21,801 km of electrified routes.
• 2014–Feb 2025: Additional 45,922 km electrified.
• 2020–2025: Over 6,000 km electrified each year.
• 2024–25: 2,701 km electrified (target was 2,885 km).
• India is second only to Switzerland in route electrification (India: 98.83%, Switzerland: 99%).

Status in States (As of February 2025)

Fully Electrified States/UTs (24)

• Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tripura, West Bengal.

Others

• Rajasthan – 98%
• Karnataka – 96%
• Tamil Nadu – 96%
• Goa – 88%
• Assam – 79%

Significance

• Saves Indian Railways over ₹15,000 crore annually in fuel costs.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions substantially.
• Enhances the reliability and speed of rail transport.
• Supports India’s global commitment to climate change mitigation.