On World Environment Day, Indian Railways reasserted its vital role in steering India towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.
As the lifeline for over 700 crore passengers last year, the rail network is not only a symbol of convenience but a strategic driver for cleaner, greener mobility across the nation. The railways’ evolving green initiatives align closely with India’s ambitious Panchamrit targets, aiming for net zero emissions by 2070. Indian Railways is deploying a multi-faceted strategy to reduce the country’s carbon footprint: shifting freight and passenger traffic from road to rail, and aggressively electrifying the network while incorporating renewable energy sources. This shift is central to India’s decarbonisation efforts at scale, leveraging the energy efficiency and capacity advantages inherent in rail transport.
From carrying 1,055 million tonnes of cargo in 2013-14 to 1,617 million tonnes in 2024-25, Indian Railways has become the world’s second-largest freight carrier. This modal shift from road to rail has resulted in substantial environmental gains, preventing over 143 million tonnes of CO2 emissions—the equivalent of planting 121 crore trees. These environmental benefits are coupled with significant economic savings. Rail freight costs approximately half as much as road transport, resulting in Rs 3.2 lakh crore saved in logistics costs over the past decade alone. Cleaner operations translate to cleaner air, as railways emit nearly 90 percent less carbon dioxide compared to trucks. The ongoing road-to-rail transition has saved an estimated 2,857 crore litres of diesel, reducing fuel expenses by about Rs 2 lakh crore, while simultaneously easing India’s dependence on imported oil.
Indian Railways’ commitment to electrification has been transformative. While only 21,000 km of track was electrified over 60 years before 2014, the network has seen a remarkable expansion of 47,000 km electrified in the past 11 years. Currently, 99 percent of the broad-gauge network runs on electricity, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Beyond electrification, Indian Railways is increasingly integrating renewable energy into operations at stations, factories, and workshops. Collaboration with state governments is underway to source green power for train operations, advancing the nation’s clean energy ambitions. Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)—high-capacity, fully electrified rail lines designed exclusively for goods movement—have become operational across 2,741 km, drastically cutting congestion on highways while slashing diesel use and emissions.
Innovation in sustainable technology is also a focus. India is pioneering hydrogen-powered trains, with the first set to operate between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. These zero-emission trains, capable of carrying 2,600 passengers, will be among the world’s most powerful and longest hydrogen trains, underscoring the railways’ commitment to cleaner propulsion systems. The environmental benefits of these initiatives resonate in India’s improved logistics rankings. The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023 placed India at 38 out of 139 countries, climbing 16 places since 2014. Enhanced electrification, increased speed, and capacity improvements have propelled the country closer to world-class logistics standards, facilitating faster and more sustainable economic growth.
India’s target to achieve net zero emissions in Indian Railways by 2030 is ambitious but increasingly attainable. Thanks to accelerated electrification and the steady cargo shift from roads to rails, net zero (scope 1 emissions) is projected to be reached by 2025. This progress reflects a strategic alignment of economic development with ecological responsibility, signalling a future where growth does not come at the environment’s expense. This World Environment Day, Indian Railways stands firm on its pledge to sustainability. Every electrified track laid, solar panel installed, and freight container removed from congested roads embodies a commitment to a cleaner, more equitable Bharat.
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