Railways achieves 94% electrification milestone in broad gauge network

In the present scenario, the electrification endeavour includes 61,813 Route km on the BG network, encompassing approximately 94% of the total Broad Gauge network of Indian Railways. The remaining electrification of the BG network is currently in progress.

The electrification drive has been propelled by a substantial financial commitment, with Rs 433.46 billion invested in electrification projects between 2014-23. Furthermore, a forward-looking approach involves an allocation of Rs 80.70 billion for electrification during the fiscal year 2023-24.

As of April 1, 2023, Indian Railways is actively overseeing 459 Railway Infrastructure projects, which consist of 189 New Line projects, 39 Gauge Conversion projects, and 231 Doubling projects. These initiatives collectively cover a total length of 46,360 km and incur an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 7.18 trillion.

These updates were shared by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronic & Information Technology, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. The minister highlighted the ongoing efforts and achievements in the realm of railway electrification and infrastructure development.