Have you ever remembered the loud roar of an old diesel train? In the past, when a train sped along the tracks, you could hear its deep rumble from far away. The sound of the engine, the shaking of the carriage and even the scent of diesel made every journey an adventure to treasure. Today, when you step onto a modern train you may hardly notice any noise at all. The ride is smooth and quiet and this change comes from a process called electrification, which is transforming Indian Railways.
A Long Road of Change, A Steady Climb in Numbers
The journey toward using electric power on Indian Railways has been one of steady progress and hard work. In 2015, only about 45 percent of the network ran on electricity. That year the Railway Board set up an Environment Directorate to focus on projects that would make the network cleaner. In 2018 the government made a clear decision that every railway track should run on electric power. Funds were set aside and the initial plan was to finish the work by the fiscal year 2021-2022. As time passed plans were revised. The target changed first to a finish date in December 2023 then shifted to the end of the period from 2023-2024 and finally to the end of the period from 2024-2025. Now in 2025 the results of these efforts are clear to see.
Looking at the numbers shows the steady climb in electrification. Between 2020-2021 about 6015 route kilometers were converted to electric power. In the following period from 2021-2022 another 6366 route kilometers joined the electric network. Then between 2022-2023 an extra 6565 route kilometers were electrified. Most recently from 2023-2024, an additional 4644 route kilometers were added. All these efforts have pushed the cumulative total of electrified broad-gauge tracks to nearly 63,456 route kilometers. Today, the total length of broad-gauge routes in India stands at 66,546 kilometers while 64,589 kilometers now run on electric power. This means that almost 97 percent of the network is electrified and it shows the strong commitment to a cleaner and more efficient railway system.
A New Dawn Across the Nation
The electrification journey has touched nearly every part of the country. Many states have embraced the change with great enthusiasm. In states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra the entire broad-gauge network now runs on electricity. In simple words, if you travel by train in these states every kilometer of track is powered by electric energy. This change brings quieter journeys smoother rides and helps reduce pollution in the communities along the tracks.
Some regions like Assam and Tripura are still in the process of upgrading parts of their network while areas such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram face greater challenges and have yet to begin electrification. Still, the overall picture is one of remarkable progress as nearly the entire network in most states now runs on clean electric power.
Quiet Journeys and Cleaner Air
Switching from diesel to electric power is not only about reducing noise, it is also about creating a cleaner environment. Diesel trains are known for their loud engines and heavy pollution while electric trains run much more quietly and do not produce the harmful gases that diesel engines do. This change means that the air in towns and cities near railway lines is cleaner and healthier for everyone.
There is a challenge to keep in mind is that most of the electricity in India still comes from coal-fired power plants. Even if the trains themselves do not emit harmful smokes, the power stations that generate the electricity continue to create pollution. In other words, while the areas along the tracks now enjoy a quieter and cleaner atmosphere but the source of the power still has its own environmental impact. This is one of the challenges that remains as India works toward a truly green railway system.
A Big Investment for a Better Future
Modernizing an entire railway network requires a large investment of both money and planning. The government has planned to spend a massive amount to upgrade Indian Railways. The funds are used not only for electrification but also for many other improvements such as building new lines, updating old tracks, making stations more comfortable and introducing new faster trains. On 2023, The Railway Ministry has announced plans to invest 5,400,000 by 2030 for railway electrification. Such a huge investment is a sign that the country is serious about modernizing its transport system and setting a global example of sustainability and progress.
Modern Trains and New Technology
One of the most talked about modern trains is the Vande Bharat Express. Built in India, this train stands as a symbol of the country’s growing skill in modern rail technology. The Vande Bharat Express is known for its speed and comfort and in tests it has reached speeds of up to 183 km per hour. There are even plans to increase this speed as tracks are upgraded and safety measures improved. In addition to faster trains, there are plans to build high speed rail corridors connecting major cities. For example, one project connects Mumbai with Ahmedabad using technology from Japan.
There is also an idea that sounds straight out of a science fiction story called the hyperloop. Imagine a small pod moving in a tube that is almost free of air at speeds as high as 1000 km per hour so that a journey that once took hours might soon take only minutes. A test track for the hyperloop was recently completed near Chennai and trials are expected to begin soon. If successful, the hyperloop could change the way people travel in the future.
Keeping a Safety Net and Modernizing the System
Even as the electric revolution moves forward, Indian Railways is careful to maintain a safety net. Many diesel locomotives are still kept in reserve for emergencies and special cases. Although more than 700 diesel engines have been set aside, experts believe that many of these machines could have continued in service for another 15 years. In fact, about 2500 diesel engines will be kept for times when electricity may not be available or when extra power is needed during peak demand. This blend of electric and diesel power makes sure that the railway system remains strong and reliable even when unexpected challenges arise.
At the same time, older train coaches are being given new life through refurbishment projects that make them safer and more comfortable. An important upgrade in this process is the replacement of old toilet systems. In the past, train toilets used to discharge waste directly onto the tracks causing unpleasant smells and high costs for cleaning. Working with experts, Indian Railways introduced new toilets that treat waste naturally so that it is broken down into water and gas in an environmentally safe way. Most new coaches now have these modern toilets and plans are in place to replace the older systems soon.
The Spirit of Innovation and the Road Ahead
The journey from the days of loud diesel engines to the quiet hum of electric trains is a story of innovation and hope. Every kilometer of track that is electrified is a step toward a cleaner future and every new train that runs quietly is a sign that hard work and clear planning can bring real change. For many people who grew up with the thunder of diesel engines, the gentle hum of an electric train now stands as a symbol of progress and promise.
The progress so far is impressive. From the early days, when only a few tracks were electrified to now when almost all broad-gauge tracks run on electric power, the journey has been long and challenging. With nearly 97 percent of the broad-gauge network now electrified, Indian Railways stands as an example for the world. The blend of new technology with long-held values creates a system that is both reliable and ready for the future.
Looking ahead, the road is filled with promise. Indian Railways continues to invest in better technology and future projects include more high-speed rail corridors that will connect major cities across the country. The hyperloop project still in its early stages holds the promise of changing travel in ways that were once only imagined in stories. As trials begin and new ideas are tested, the dream of even faster and more efficient travel comes closer to reality.
At the same time, the government remains aware of the challenges. While electric trains produce less noise and pollution, the source of the electricity still requires attention. Most of India’s power comes from coal-fired plants which continue to emit pollutants, so the task of making the entire system green goes beyond the trains themselves. This challenge is part of a larger plan to move toward renewable energy in the coming years.
Today as you sit on a modern train and enjoy the smooth quiet ride, remember the long road that brought us here. Every new kilometer of electrified track is a step toward a future where travel is faster safer and friendlier to our planet. The gentle hum of an electric train is a sound of hope and a promise that the best is yet to come. This is the story of Indian Railways electrification in 2025 and it is a journey that continues every day. From roaring engines to gentle whispers, the transformation is happening.
