Railways 100% broad gauge electrification to save energy bill of Rs 13000 crore per annum
Electrification of balance broad gauge routes of 13675 kilometer planned at Rs 12134 crore
Ministry of Railways has planned for 100% electrification of Broad Gauge (BG) routes and accordingly work for electrification of balance BG routes of 13,675 Route Kilometer. This has been approved at a cost of Rs 12134 crore.
With above, Indian Railways will be the first major railway in the world to have 100% electrified BG railway network of such size, confirming its commitments towards green and clean environment.
100% electrification will entail following advantages:
* Reduced energy bill of Railways by about Rs 13000 crore per annum.
* Reduction in diesel oil consumption by about 2.8 billion litres, thereby reducing dependence on imported diesel oil and saving foreign exchange.
* Amenable to adoption of renewable sources of energy like solar, wind power.
* Haulage of heavier freight and longer passenger trains at higher speed due to higher haulage capacity of electric loco.
* Increased capacity of railway network due to reduced detention and seamless transport on electric traction.
* Reduce carbon emission and improve environment particularly in cities like New Delhi.