Context:

• Indian Railways, the nation’s transport lifeline, is increasingly emerging as a key pillar in India’s climate action strategy.
• With over 700 crore passengers annually, its role goes beyond mobility — it embodies India’s commitment to sustainable development and net zero emissions.

 Indian Railways and India’s Panchamrit Goals:

• Alignment with Net Zero by 2070: Indian Railways is contributing directly to PM Modi’s Panchamrit commitments by shifting freight from road to rail and transitioning to clean energy.
• Decarbonisation at scale: These efforts are aiding India’s broader economic decarbonisation strategy.

 Shift from Road to Rail - A Sustainable Transformation:

• Freight growth: Cargo movement rose from 1,055 million tonnes (2013-14) to 1,617 million tonnes (2024-25) — making Indian Railways the 2nd-largest freight carrier globally.
• CO₂ emission savings: Shift from road has avoided 143 million tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to planting 121 crore trees.
• Economic impact:
  • ₹3.2 lakh crore saved in logistics costs.
  • 2,857 crore litres diesel saved, worth ₹2 lakh crore.

Railways as a Cleaner Alternative:

• Efficiency advantage: Rail transport emits 90% less CO₂ than trucks.
• Air quality gains: Reduced emissions contribute to cleaner air and reduced urban pollution.

Electrification Drive - Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence:

• Accelerated progress:
  • In the 60 years before 2014, Indian Railways electrified 21,000 km of track.
  • And in the past 11 years, 47,000 km have been electrified. This means, 99% of broad-gauge tracks are now electrified.
• Strategic importance: Electrification reduces oil import dependency and boosts energy security.

Renewable Energy Integration:

• Indian Railways is increasingly using solar and renewable energy for stations, factories and workshops.
• It is collaborating with states for cleaner train operations.

Infrastructure Upgrades - Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs):

• DFCs are electrified, high-capacity railway lines designed exclusively for goods transport.
• With 2,741 km operational, DFCs have eased congestion on roads and significantly reduced diesel consumption and carbon emissions.

Innovation - Hydrogen-Powered Trains:

• The first train will run between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana and carry up to 2,600 passengers.
• It will be the most powerful and longest hydrogen train in the world.

Global Recognition and Economic-Environmental Synergy:

• LPI 2023 ranking: India rose 16 places (since 2014) to 38th in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023.
• Twin goals: Railway reforms demonstrate how economic growth can align with environmental sustainability.

Roadmap to Net Zero - Fast-tracking the Goal:

• PM Modi set 2030 as the year to achieve net zero for Indian Railways.
• Due to the accelerated electrification and large-scale shifting of cargo from road to rail, Indian Railways is on track to achieve net zero within 2025.

Conclusion - Green Tracks to a Greener Bharat:

• On World Environment Day (June 5), Indian Railways stands as a model of India’s sustainable development.
• Every electrified rail line, solar installation, and freight load shifted from road to rail is a step closer to a cleaner, greener Bharat.