Central Railway achieves major milestone with 100% electrification: What it means

100% electrification will provide seamless train operation by eliminating detention of trains due to change in traction from diesel to electric and vice versa.

Central Railway has achieved 100% Railway Electrification on all Broad Gauge routes (3825 Route Kilometres). The last non-electrified section of Central Railway i.e. Ausa Road- Latur Road (52 RKM) on Solapur Division was electrified on 23 February.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has complimented to the entire team of Central Railway for achieving 100% electrification of entire Broad Gauge Network.

Responding to the tweet by Central Railway, the Prime Minister tweeted; "Outstanding feat. Compliments to the entire team."

"Central Railway now fully electrified on all Broad Gauge routes has helped in reducing carbon footprints of 5.204 lakh tons every year and also saves Rs. 1670 crores annually. The Pace of Railway Electrification, which is environment friendly and reduces pollution, has increased at 9X speed since 2014," an official statement announced on Friday.

Railways has planned electrification of Broad Gauge routes, which will facilitate elimination of diesel traction resulting in significant reduction in its carbon footprint and environmental pollution.

The pioneering railway, where the first electric train ran in India between the then Bombay Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Kurla on Harbour line on 03.02.1925. The section was electrified on 1500 Volt DC.

The conversion of DC traction on Mumbai Division of Central Railway to AC traction began in 2001 and progressively, without significant disturbance to the lifeline of the nation, i.e. suburban services, was completed in 2016. It has overcome the challenges of conversion of DC-AC Traction, Ghat sections, etc. over the years.

Naresh Lalwani, General Manager, Central Railway said that "Railway is guided by a historical vision of being an environment friendly, efficient, cost effective, punctual and a modern carrier of passengers as well as the freight in order to serve the growing needs of New India. This will also significantly reduce the fuel bill and earn carbon footprints".

Electrification offers advantages like:

Electrification will provide energy efficient, eco-friendly mode of transport and also improve system throughput by modernization of the railway system. Mission Electrification will result into seamless (end to end) train operation on electric traction.

Capacity & Speed

100% electrification will provide seamless train operation by eliminating detention of trains due to change in traction from diesel to electric and vice versa.

It will help Railways in enhancing line capacity due to higher speed & higher haulage capacity of electric locomotives

Safety

Improved signalling system will lead to enhanced safety in train operation

Energy Security

In line with the new Auto Fuel Policy of the Government, total shift to electric traction will reduce fossil fuel consumption of about 2.83 billion liters per annum.

Reduced dependence on imported petroleum based fuels will ensure energy security to the nation

Sustainability

Reduced carbon footprint as environmental cost per Tonne Km for Electric Traction is 1.5 Paisa and for Diesel Traction 5.1 paisa.

In line with commitment made by India in COP21, total shift to electric traction will reduce CO2 emission of Railways by 24% till 2027-28.

Green house gas emission for electric traction will fall below diesel traction by 2019-20 making it environmentally friendly option.

The complete electrification of railway is poised to continue the growth story of Indian Railways. Through the aforementioned benefits, complete electrification will act as a catalyst for the modernisation process and deliver greater economic benefits. It will help Indian Railways become the growth engine of India as envisaged by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.