India Emerges as Global Leader in Railway Electrification with 99.6% Broad Gauge Network Electrified, Second Only to Switzerland

The Ministry of Railways reports that 99.6% of Indian Railways’ broad‑gauge network has been electrified, placing India second only to Switzerland (100%) in railway electrification coverage, according to the International Union of Railways (UIC) June 2025 report. Diesel consumption for traction fell from 293 crore litres in 2015‑16 to 108 crore litres in 2024‑25, saving foreign‑exchange and cutting CO₂ emissions, as rail emits about 89 % less CO₂ than road transport (11.5 g vs 101 g per tonne‑km). About 1,161 MW of solar and 103 MW of wind capacity have been commissioned for rail operations. All new line and multi‑tracking projects are being built with electrification, and zone‑wise electrification exceeds 96 % across the country.