Indian Railways to be fully electrified by FY26: Ashwini Vaishnaw
What's the story
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the Indian Railways will achieve 100% electrification by the fiscal year 2025-26.
The announcement came during a virtual address at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025.
The government aims to make the Railways net zero by 2030. Presently, over 97% of the railway network is already electrified.
Energy agreement
Indian Railways secures renewable energy, signs new agreement
The Indian Railways has already procured 1.5GW of renewable energy and recently signed an agreement for another 170MW from Madhya Pradesh.
The power purchase agreement was signed with Waree Energies and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL).
"The 170 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) signed with Madhya Pradesh today is an important step in this direction," Vaishnaw said during his summit address.
Power purchase
Railways open to purchasing stable renewable power
Vaishnaw assured that the Railways is ready to buy any stable renewable power produced by Madhya Pradesh. He was also interested in nuclear and wind power.
The minister also said that similar pacts could be signed with other states for renewable energy supplies.
This move falls in line with the government's wider goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy sources.
Infrastructure investment
Ongoing investment in various railway projects in MP
A total investment of ₹1.04 lakh crore is being made in various railway projects related to Madhya Pradesh.
While sharing updates on the progress of ongoing projects, the minister also highlighted a few newly sanctioned rail projects in the state.
This massive investment shows the central government's commitment to improving railway infrastructure and services in MP.