Indian Railways Embraces Mission 100% Electrification

It will cost the national transporter around Rs 12,000 crore and all broad gauge lines of Indian Railways will be electrified.

In a bid to enhance Indian Railways’ operations, the PM-led cabinet has approved the Railway Ministry’s suggestion to electrify the remaining 13,675 kms of railway tracks.

The approval comes as a part of Railway ministry’s electrification plan, ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ which intends to make railways environment friendly, ensure faster and smoother movements of passengers.

According to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, this will cost the national transporter around Rs 12,000 crore. After the completion of this project, all broad gauge lines of Indian Railways will be electrified.

Moreover, the electrification process is expected to reduce dependence on imported diesel, enhance line capacity and higher haulage capacity. It would also make train operations seamless ensuring better speed.

The electrification will also improve signal system for enhanced safety and direct employment generation during construction for nearly 20.4 crore man days.

Also, Indian Railways has said that the new indigenous electric locomotives deliver 5000 HP, which is 92% more than the old version.

Further, the authorities have also planned to buy 12,000 hp electric locomotives from Alstom which has set up manufacturing plant in Bihar. This would also boost another target of ‘Make in India’.

Source: FE