Eastern Railway GM marks 100 years of electrification of Indian Railways at Howrah station

Milind Deoskar, the General Manager of Eastern Railway, visited Howrah Station to mark the 100th anniversary of the electrification of Indian Railways. The first electric train ran on February 3, 1925, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla, Mumbai, using 1500 volts of direct current (DC). This event marked the beginning of electrification in India, which, over the years, would become integral to the country's railway infrastructure.

The electrification process was initially slow due to various technological and financial challenges. However, significant progress was made after World War II, and by the 1950s, Indian Railways started adopting European electrification models. In 1954, Indian Railways selected the 3000-volt DC system for electrification, which was later replaced by the 25 kV AC (alternating current) system in 1957. This move was part of a broader effort to standardize electrification, and India became the second country in the world, after the Soviet Union, to adopt the 25 kV AC system for electrification.

Electrification has played a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the Indian Railways network. It has reduced dependency on diesel fuel, cutting operational costs and environmental pollution. Electrification has also made the network more reliable and faster, particularly on long-distance and suburban routes. With electric traction, trains can run at higher speeds, and maintenance costs are significantly reduced compared to diesel-powered engines.

As of now, Indian Railways has achieved 100% electrification in several regions, with the Kota Railway Division becoming the first to achieve full electrification. Nationally, approximately 75% of the total broad-gauge network is electrified. The ongoing electrification efforts are part of the Indian Railways' goal to complete the full electrification of the network by 2030. This push towards full electrification aims to further reduce diesel dependence, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the sustainability of the rail network across the country.

In terms of progress, Indian Railways is making significant strides in electrifying its tracks. Between 2014 and 2024, about 44,199 route kilometers (RKM) of electrification have been completed, with a daily average of nearly 19.7 kilometers of track being electrified in 2023-24. The full electrification initiative is expected to not only improve the operational efficiency of Indian Railways but also contribute to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions, saving foreign exchange spent on crude oil, and enhancing the country’s energy security.