Green Tracks Ahead! Indian Railways’ Journey to Net-Zero Carbon Gains Speed

Indian Railways is stepping up its sustainability drive to become net-zero carbon by 2030. With almost 97% of its network already electrified, it plans to finish full electrification by 2025-26, significantly cutting diesel consumption and CO2 emissions. The railway has already conserved 600 crore liters of diesel over the past decade, reducing emissions equivalent to planting 16 crore saplings.

In order to fulfill its energy requirement of 10 GW by 2030, Indian Railways intends to generate power from nuclear, solar, wind, and hydro. Plans are in the pipeline to set up small nuclear plants in association with the Department of Atomic Energy. Moreover, the commissioning of India's first hydrogen train on March 31 is a giant step towards green transport.

These plans complement the ₹40 lakh crore modernization scheme within the National Rail Plan, turning Indian Railways into a sustainable and energy-efficient transportation network.

Sources: Sunday Guardian Live, Observer Voice, India Today