**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1721, the Ministry of Railways outlines key green initiatives undertaken to reduce the carbon footprint of Indian Railways and achieve "Green Railways" by 2030.
**Key Initiatives and Progress:**
* **Electrification:** As of July 2025, approximately 99% of the total Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified, with 46,900 route kilometers electrified between 2014 and 2025, compared to 21,801 kilometers in the 60 years prior to 2014.
* **Renewable Energy:** A total of 660 MW of solar plants (rooftop and land-based) and 103 MW of wind-based power plants have been commissioned. Additionally, 100 MW of Renewable Energy power under Round the Clock (RERTC) mode, tied up with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), is operational, with an additional 1500 MW capacity tied up in RERTC mode. In the first half of 2025, 181 MW of solar power plant capacity was installed.
* **Hydrogen Train:** Indian Railways is developing its first hydrogen-powered train, planned to be a 2400 kW unit with 10 coaches.
* **Energy Efficiency:** Implementation of 3-phase propulsion systems with regenerative braking, conversion of End on Generation (EOG) trains to Head on Generation (HOG) trains, and installation of energy-efficient LED lighting across all railway installations. Use of star-rated appliances.
* **Certifications:** Pursuing Green Certifications and Environment Management System Certifications for industrial units, railway stations, and other establishments.
* **Environmental Stewardship:** Implementing afforestation programs and waste management systems at railway stations, catering units, and in coaches.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Railways: The national railway system of India, a key entity undertaking green initiatives.
Green Railways: A project by Indian Railways to reduce carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability, aiming to be achieved by 2030.
SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW: The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology.
Solar Energy Corporation of India SECI: An organization involved in tying up renewable energy power for Indian Railways.
Renewable Energy: A type of energy that comes from natural sources or processes that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed.
Hydrogen powered train: A project by Indian Railways to run a train powered by hydrogen fuel.
Light Emitting Diode LED: Energy efficient lighting being implemented across Indian Railways installations.
Broad Gauge BG: The primary rail gauge used by Indian Railways, a significant portion of which has been electrified.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1721
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
GREEN RAILWAYS
1721 SHRI NAVEEN JINDAL:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the key green initiatives undertaken by the
Government to reduce the carbon footprint of Indian Railways;
(b) the manner in which the Government is ensuring adherence to
environmental regulations in large- scale infrastructure projects;
(c) the details of the efforts undertaken by the Government in
ensuring adherence to environmental regulations to achieve Green
Railways by 2030; and
(d) the details of the total installed capacity of renewable energy in
the calendar year 2025?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d) Indian Railways is committed to implementing the green
initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint through following efforts:
--2/--2-
1. About 99% of the total Broad Gauge (BG) network of Indian
Railways has been electrified. Electrification carried out during
2014-25 and before 2014 is as under:
Period Route Kilometer
Before 2014 (about 60 years) 21,801
During 2014-25 46,900
2. Around 660 Mega Watt (MW) of solar plants (both on Rooftops
and on land) and 103 MW of Wind based power plants has been
commissioned so far. Further, 100 MW Renewable Energy power
under Round the Clock (RE-RTC) mode, tied up with Solar Energy
Corporation of India (SECI) has also started flowing. In addition
to this, 1500 MW capacity of power in RE-RTC mode has been
tied up.
3. In the calendar year 2025, till June, about 181 MW of solar power
plant has been installed.
4. Indian Railways has taken up a project of running its first
Hydrogen powered train. This train will be the world’s most
powerful hydrogen train, with power of 2400 kW and a 10
coaches’ configuration.
5. Introduction of 3-phase propulsion system with regenerative
braking.
6. Conversion of End on Generation (EOG) trains into Head on
Generation (HOG) trains to reduce diesel consumption, air and
noise pollution.
--3/--3-
7. Provision of energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting in
all Railway installations including stations, service buildings,
residential quarters and coaches for reduction in electricity
consumption.
8. Use of star rated appliances.
9. Green Certifications & Environment Management System
Certifications of industrial units, railway stations and other
railway establishments.
10. Afforestation to absorb carbon emissions and combat climate
change.
11. System for effective waste management, including disposal, of
waste generated at Railway stations, catering units and coaches
in place.
****