

Is 100% electrification of Indian railways far-fetched?
12 snips Dec 18, 2024
The podcast dives into the ambitious goal of fully electrifying Indian railways by 2030, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions. It discusses the journey and progress made since 2014, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges. Issues like dependency on coal and diesel during outages are raised, revealing potential roadblocks. Environmental concerns tied to fossil fuel use in electricity generation further complicate the road to sustainability, showcasing the complexities of this transformative initiative.
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Electrification Challenges
- Indian Railways aims for full electrification by 2030, targeting net-zero emissions.
- However, 62% of routes are financially unviable for electrification.
Economic Viability
- Despite India outpacing other nations in railway electrification, many diesel locomotives remain idle.
- Electrification requires high investment and sufficient traffic to be cost-effective.
Coal Transport Impact
- Coal transport contributes significantly to railway freight earnings.
- Reduced coal use due to renewables could negatively impact railway revenue.