Ashwini Vaishnaw Expects Fully Electrified Railways By FY26
The Union government has set a target of making railways net zero by 2030, he says.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday that the Indian Railways achieved over 97% electrification and it would achieve 100% electrification in the next financial year.
The announcement follows the signing of a power purchase agreement between the railways, Waaree Energies Ltd. and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd. "The 170-MW power purchase agreement signed with Madhya Pradesh today is an important step in this direction," he added.
Vaishnaw added that the Union government set a target of making railways net zero by 2030. The minister said the railways is also making rapid progress in the use of renewable energy as well.
Vaishnaw said the government has set a target of making railways net zero by 2030.
On drawing power from renewable energy sources, the minister said 1,500 MW or 1.5-GW capacity has already been tied to be supplied to Railways as of date. "The 170-MW power purchase agreement signed with Madhya Pradesh today is an important step in this direction."
While the minister said that the Railways is ready to purchase whatever renewable power that Madhya Pradesh can generate, he stressed on the supply being stable. "If Madhya Pradesh can set up nuclear power plants too, Railways is ready to buy. We are interested in wind power as well."
According to Vaishnaw, the Railways is also open to signing PPA with other states on similar models signed with Madhya Pradesh for renewable energy supplies. He stated that Madhya Pradesh received a record railway budget of Rs 14,745 crore for 2025-26.
Before 2014, the rate of construction of railway lines in Madhya Pradesh used to be only 29-30 km annually, he said, adding that this has now increased to 223 km per year now. "The speed of work has increased by 7.5 times and the fund has been increased by 23 times."
The minister also highlighted several newly sanctioned rail projects in the state while sharing updates on the progress of the ongoing projects.
A total investment of Rs 1.04 lakh crore is currently underway across various railway projects associated with Madhya Pradesh.
(With PTI inputs)
