The North Western Railway (NWR) is on track to achieve full electrification of its rail network by the end of the financial year 2024-25, having already electrified 93% of its extensive network spanning several key routes. This significant milestone not only enhances operational efficiency but also delivers tangible benefits to passengers in terms of reduced travel times and improved service quality.
As per the Chief Public Relations Officer of NWR, electrification work has covered 5248 kilometers to date, with ongoing efforts to electrify the remaining 286 kilometers. Critical routes including Jaipur to Delhi, Jaipur to Agra, Jaipur to Udaipur, and Jaipur to Ahmedabad are now fully electrified, facilitating smoother operations and faster train speeds. The shift to electric traction aligns with environmental sustainability goals, as electric locomotives are cleaner and emit fewer pollutants compared to their diesel counterparts. “We are witnessing speeds increase on electrified sections, with locomotives achieving higher operational efficiency and maintaining speeds of 100-115 kilometers per hour,” added the engineering officer.
“Electric traction has revolutionized rail travel across our network. Trains operating on electrified routes experience superior acceleration and deceleration compared to diesel locomotives, translating into reduced journey times,” highlighted an engineering officer involved in the project. Passenger feedback corroborates these improvements, particularly on high-traffic routes such as Jaipur to Delhi and Jaipur to Ajmer, where travel times have been significantly slashed. “Previously, the journey between Jaipur and Delhi took up to 5-6 hours, but now, with faster electric trains like Vande Bharat and Double Decker, travel times have been reduced to 3-4 hours,” noted a frequent traveler.
Looking ahead, NWR aims to complete the electrification of its entire network by the stipulated deadline, further enhancing passenger comfort and operational reliability. The ongoing electrification drive signifies a pivotal step towards transforming rail travel in the region, promising continued benefits in efficiency, speed, and environmental impact reduction for passengers and stakeholders alike.
