Indian Railways Electrification
Source : PIB
GS III : Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
What is discussed under Indian Railways Electrification?
- Indian Railways Electrification
- Central Organisation for Railway Electrification
Why in News ?
Indian Railways has embarked upon an ambition plan of electrification of its complete Broad Gauge network which would not only result in a better fuel energy usage resulting in increased throughput, reduced fuel expenditure but also savings in precious foreign exchange.
Key Facts
- During the FY 2022-23, till September 2022, Indian Railways has achieved 851 Route Kilometers (RKMs) as compared to 562 RKMs during the corresponding period of FY 2021-22.
- It is 51.4% more than the previous year figures of the corresponding period. The target set for electrification during this Financial Year is 6500 RKMs.
- It is worth mentioning that record electrification of 6,366 RKMs was achieved in Indian Railways’ history during 2021-22.
- Earlier, highest electrification was 6,015 RKM during 2020-21.
- Out of 65,141 RKM of BG network of IR (including KRCL), 53,098 BG RKM have been electrified, which is 81.51% of the total BG network.
Indian Railways Electrification
- Indian Railways will run entirely on electricity by 2024 according to an announcement made by Union Minister Piyush Goyal on January
Photo by Pixabay 27, 2020.
- Indian Railways has set a target to complete Electrification of its Broad gauge network by December 2023.
- Indian Railways will be the first railroad to run entirely on electricity in such a scenario.
- Additionally, by 2030, Indian Railways wants to have a zero-emission network.
- India uses 25 KV 50 Hz AC traction on its electrified tracks.
Reason for Electrification
- To reduce the carbon footprint
- 50 per cent cheaper and efficient than diesel
- Operational and maintenance cost is less
- Subsequent reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions
Central Organisation for Railway Electrification
- The electrification work is being done by the Central Organization for Railway Electrification (CORE).
- It was founded in 1961.
- The headquarters of CORE is located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
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