Context:
Indian Railways has begun a major decarbonisation journey with the successful trial of India’s first hydrogen-powered train coach at ICF Chennai in July 2025, marking a transformational step toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030—well ahead of India’s national target of 2070.
Key Highlights / Details:
Railway’s Role in Sustainable Development
- With 24 million daily passengers and 3 million tonnes of freight moved daily, decarbonizing Indian Railways has significant national and global climate relevance.
- Indian Railways is positioning itself as a climate-positive transport backbone.
Major Initiatives Undertaken
- Electrification: 45,000 km electrified in last decade—98% of total broad-gauge network now electrified.
- Renewable Integration: Installed 553 MW solar + 100 MW wind; target 30 GW renewable energy by 2030.
- Energy Efficiency: Introduction of energy-efficient Vande Bharat trains and conversion of diesel locomotives to electric.
- Solar Railway Stations: 2,000+ stations solarized; North East Frontier zone buildings awarded BEE “Shunya” (Net-Zero) certification.
- Modal Shift: Target to shift 45% of freight from road to rail by 2030.
- Dedicated Freight Corridors + automatic signalling upgrades improving freight speed to 100 kmph.
Climate Finance Support
- Since FY2023, Indian Railways raised over ₹58,000 crore in sovereign green bonds.
- ₹42,000 crore earmarked for electric locomotives and suburban rail corridors.
- ₹7,500 crore loan from NDB (BRICS Bank) for renewable railway projects.
- World Bank approved $245 million loan in June 2025 for low-carbon freight transport strategy.
Green Technology Initiatives
- Hydrogen fuel cell prototypes for non-electrified heritage lines.
- Biofuel blending + LNG-based locomotives.
- AI-based energy optimisation for traction systems.
- Development of lightweight aluminium coaches.
- Focus on last-mile green logistics (EV freight trucks, LNG freight corridors, green warehouses).
Impact & Future Targets
- By 2030, Indian Railways aims to:
- Prevent 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Save ₹30,000 crore/year in fuel costs.
- Become the world’s first large rail network to achieve net-zero emissions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Net-Zero Emissions: Achieving a balance between emissions and absorption.
- Green Bonds: Bonds issued for funding climate/environmental projects.
- Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs): Eastern & Western DFCs to boost logistics efficiency.
- BEE Shunya Rating: Rating for net-zero energy buildings in India.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Railways as a backbone for low-carbon logistics.
- Importance of climate finance for sustainable transportation.
- Role of renewable energy integration in Indian infrastructure.
- Green Mobility as part of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Challenges of balancing fiscal discipline with green transition.
Possible Mains Question:
Discuss the role of Indian Railways in achieving India’s climate goals. Evaluate the economic and strategic implications of its net-zero carbon target by 2030.