Indian Railways Green Future
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Indian Railways to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2025
In major Indian Railways news, the national transporter will achieve net zero emissions by 2025, five years early. This move boosts India’s green energy mission and highlights Indian Railways’ strong focus on sustainability and environmental goals.
Green Milestone Achieved Early
According to Indian Railways officials, by December 2025, the national carrier will have achieved Scope 1 net zero, meaning it will offset more carbon dioxide (CO2) than it emits. The total carbon offset is expected to reach 2.2 million tonnes, which exceeds current emissions by around 200,000 tonnes.
This milestone has been made possible largely due to the Indian Railways’ aggressive electrification strategy. Currently, over 90% of train traction is electric, and this figure is projected to rise to 95% by 2029-30. The reduction in dependence on diesel locomotives has played a pivotal role in slashing direct carbon emissions.
Powering the Future Sustainably
Looking ahead, Indian Railways estimates it will need about 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity to power its entire network by 2030. To meet this demand, it plans to source:
- 3 GW from renewable energy like solar and hydropower
- 3 GW from thermal and nuclear energy
- 4 GW through power purchase agreements with DISCOMs
The diversification of power sources ensures a reliable and cleaner energy supply for train operations across India.
Impact on Emissions
The push for electrification and use of green energy is already showing results. The Indian Railways’ carbon emissions dropped significantly in 2023-24, down to 3.32 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). This is a direct result of reduced diesel usage and increased focus on cleaner energy alternatives.
Additionally, efforts are underway to minimize indirect emissions, especially those from electricity sourced from thermal power plants. By collaborating with cleaner energy providers and boosting in-house renewable generation, Indian Railways aims to maintain this downward trend in emissions.
A Model for Sustainability
This progress in Indian Railways’ green transition is not just a major achievement for the transportation sector but also positions India as a global leader in sustainable public infrastructure. The early achievement of net zero targets is likely to inspire other sectors and countries to accelerate their climate action goals.
