How Indian Railways will opt for mix of nuclear, photo voltaic, hydropower for 2030 net zero plan

Indian Railways is progressing in the direction of reaching full electrification of broad gauge routes. (AI picture)

Indian Railways is creating a diversified vitality technique for its net zero 2030 initiative, incorporating nuclear, photo voltaic, hydropower, wind and thermal sources, in accordance with officers. The technique goals to fulfil the nationwide transporter’s 10-gigawatt (GW) traction requirement for working trains by 2030.
To meet its vitality wants in 2030, Indian Railways intends to accumulate 3 GW of renewable vitality, together with hydropower, alongside 3 GW from thermal and nuclear sources. The remaining 4 GW traction requirement will be fulfilled by way of preparations with energy distribution corporations.
Officials stated that Indian Railways is progressing in the direction of reaching full electrification of broad gauge routes within the present monetary yr.
By 2025-26, roughly 95% of trains will function on electrical energy, decreasing the railways’ direct carbon emissions to 1.37 million tonnes yearly, remaining fixed till 2030.

Indian Railways Destination Net Zero

A senior official, talking anonymously to ET, stated, “Requests to earmark around 2 GW of nuclear power for Railways have been made to the power ministry. Another 2 GW thermal power will be sourced from new joint venture proposals and power purchase agreements.” The official added that preparations for 500 megawatt round the clock renewable vitality are being developed.
Additionally, hydropower tasks with 1.5 GW capability are beneath planning consideration for railway energy provide.
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“With nearly 95% trains running on electricity from 2025-26 onwards, the direct carbon emissions of the railways will come down to 1.37 million tonnes per year and will remain the same till 2030,” an official said, noting that afforestation measures may successfully offset these emissions.
Currently, 90% of Indian Railways’ trains utilise electrical energy, with diesel accounting for the remaining 10%. This represents substantial progress from three years in the past when diesel-powered trains constituted 37% of operations.
The official confirmed, “Steps will also be taken to incorporate carbon negative practices through energy efficiency at railway production units and green railway stations.”
The transition to electrical traction provides monetary advantages alongside environmental benefits. The railways’ expenditure on diesel gasoline is projected to lower to ₹9,528.53 crore in 2025-26, marking the bottom diesel-related spending in over ten years.
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