18,000km of railway line electrified in six years: Piyush Goyal
As much as 18,065 kilometers of the railway line has been electrified under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government between 2014 and 2020, Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Sunday. The country witnessed a significant jump of 371% in the growth rate of the electrification process of railway lines, as compared to the previous six years. Here are more details on this.
'Railways achieved many milestones toward infrastructure development'
Making the announcement, Goyal wrote on Twitter, "Under PM Modi ji's leadership, Railways has achieved many milestones toward infrastructure development. Electrified 18,065 km of railway line in 2014-20." "Electrification of railway tracks increased by 371 percent during 2014-20 as compared to 2008-14," he added. He also attached some infographics, highlighting the achievements of the railway sector.
Government planning to electrify additional 28,143 km by 2024
According to the information posted by Goyal, 2,150km of the railway line was electrified during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government from 2004 to 2009, while 3,038km was electrified from 2009 to 2014. On the other hand, PM Modi's government saw the electrification of 13,687km of the railway line in its first term. The government has planned to electrify 28,143km of railway track during 2019-2024.
Here is Piyush Goyal's tweet
Railways to complete electrification of broad gauge network by 2023
As per the Ministry of Railways, a crucial section Dighwada-Bandikui of railway route between Ajmer and Delhi has been electrified. "This (step) will contribute in making a cleaner and greener environment in the National Capital Region (sic)," the Ministry said. The Indian Railways has set a target to complete electrification of its broad gauge network by December 2023.
Tea to be sold in environment-friendly cups at all stations
In another major development, Goyal has said that tea will be sold in environment-friendly earthen cups or "kulhads" instead of plastic cups at all the railway stations across the country. "It is our planning that tea will be sold only in 'kulhads' at all railway stations in the country. This will be the contribution of Railways toward plastic-free India," the Minister said.
