On Track to Net Zero? The Strategic Dilemma of Indian Railways’ Electrification

In November 2024, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Railway Board, Ministry of Indian Railways, India, was preparing for a critical strategy meeting with the Union Minister of Railways. Just hours earlier, the minister had announced in parliament that 97 per cent of the Indian Railways broad gauge network had been electrified, bringing India close to its ambitious 100 per cent electrification target set in 2018. The milestone was aligned with the broader goal of Indian Railways to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and promised multiple benefits such as lower operating costs, reduced reliance on imported energy, and enhanced environmental sustainability. However, the moment was fraught with tension and criticism from economists, energy analysts, and the media, who questioned its cost-effectiveness, operational flexibility, and environmental impact. With a cabinet-level policy review just weeks away, the chairman faced urgent questions. Should Indian Railways double down on full electrification, adopt a hybrid approach, or reorient investments toward renewable energy and green freight corridors?