Railway: Railways are rapidly working to achieve environmental protection and carbon-emission reduction goals nationwide. To reduce carbon emissions, the Railways is rapidly electrifying its network. According to Railway Ministry data, since 2014, only 21,801 kilometres of track have been electrified in the country, while during 2014-25, 46,900 kilometres of track have been electrified. Electrification of 99.4 percent of the country’s broad gauge network has been completed.
Furthermore, after 2023-24, 10,932 kilometres of track have been electrified. Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, ₹29,826 crore has been spent on electrifying the railway network. Electrification requires securing Forest Department approval, removing existing facilities, assessing the area’s geography and law-and-order conditions, obtaining approvals from relevant departments, and scheduling workdays based on weather.
In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that electrification has reduced the Railways’ energy expenditure. Diesel consumption decreased by 1.78 billion litres in 2024-25 compared to 2016-17. Electrification has reduced the Railways’ diesel consumption by 62 per cent during this period, thereby lowering the cost of importing petroleum products. In 2024-25, the Railways spent approximately ₹32,378 crore on energy.
Emphasis on Waste Management
To improve passenger convenience and prioritise cleanliness, the Railways is developing a comprehensive waste management policy for the disposal of waste generated at trains, stations, catering units, and coaches. Waste collected on trains is unloaded for disposal at designated waste disposal stations. Train cleaning personnel are strictly instructed not to throw waste from moving trains, and fines are imposed on those who do. Plastic bottle crushing machines have been installed at stations as needed.
An agreement has been reached between local bodies and the Railways to manage waste in line with local needs. Sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants, and material recovery facilities have been constructed at several locations. Bio-toilets are being installed on a priority basis to keep the tracks clean. Between 2004 and 2014, there were only 9,587 such toilets on trains; since 2014, this number has increased to 3,61,572. Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, extensive cleanliness drives are conducted on stations and trains. The Railways are continuously working to raise passenger awareness of cleanliness.
