11 June 2025: In a landmark achievement for sustainable transport infrastructure, India has emerged as the only major country in the world to have electrified over 95% of its railway network, according to recent global data illustrated by a map circulating on social media. The visual, shared by the verified account @gemsofbabus_, highlights India’s position as a global leader in railway electrification, outpacing even technologically advanced nations such as China, Germany, and France.
The map, sourced from Wikipedia and curated by IPMaps.com, paints a revealing picture of global progress in railway electrification. While the global average currently stands at 47%, India has reached an impressive 90.6%, making it the foremost example of large-scale, eco-conscious rail infrastructure development. The country’s ambitious target is full electrification of its vast railway network, and it is now tantalizingly close to that milestone.
A Vision of Greener Transport
India’s railways, often described as the lifeline of the nation, are among the largest and busiest in the world. With over 67,000 km of tracks crisscrossing the subcontinent, the Indian Railways transports more than 23 million passengers and over 3 million tonnes of freight daily. Electrifying this extensive network is not just a technical feat—it is a massive leap toward reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
This push for electrification is part of the Indian government’s broader vision of sustainable development and energy transition. Indian Railways has pledged to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, and the near-complete electrification of its routes is a key pillar in this strategy. According to official data, the transition to electric trains has already significantly reduced dependence on fossil fuels and curtailed operating costs.
Global Context: Where Other Countries Stand
India’s achievement becomes even more significant when viewed in comparison to other global powers. The United States, which boasts the world’s longest railway network, has electrified only 1% of its rail routes. Canada and Australia report similarly low figures. Even European nations known for high-speed rail and sustainability—such as the UK, France, and Italy—fall short of India’s electrification percentage, although they have focused heavily on efficiency and innovation.
China, the second-largest rail network in the world and a major proponent of high-speed rail, reports a 72% electrification rate. Russia stands at 51%, while Japan—a pioneer in bullet trains—has electrified approximately 65% of its network. Among developing nations, the percentage is considerably lower, with many African and South American countries registering under 20%.
India’s 95% figure doesn’t just reflect government policy but also the focused implementation by Indian Railways, which has been upgrading lines at a rapid pace across both high-density corridors and remote regions. The remaining unelectrified segments, mostly in difficult terrain or low-traffic zones, are slated for completion in the coming years.
Technological Backbone and Economic Gains
Railway electrification is not just an environmental imperative but an economic one. Electric locomotives are more energy-efficient, require less maintenance, and are significantly cheaper to run than their diesel counterparts. Indian Railways estimates that electrification has saved thousands of crores in annual fuel costs and reduced emissions equivalent to millions of tonnes of CO₂.
The shift to electric trains also opens new opportunities for indigenous manufacturing, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative. Companies like BHEL, Alstom India, and Siemens have ramped up production of electric locomotives, supporting job creation and skill development across the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Additionally, modern electric trains are better suited for high-speed applications and smoother operations. This has a direct impact on service quality, punctuality, and passenger comfort—areas where Indian Railways has traditionally struggled but is now showing signs of improvement.
Policy and Leadership
This transformation has been driven by a series of proactive policies under the Ministry of Railways, with strong support from the Prime Minister’s Office. The National Rail Plan (NRP) and subsequent budget allocations have placed a high priority on sustainability, with specific goals for electrification, renewable energy integration, and modernization.
Hon’ble Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has repeatedly emphasized that railway electrification is key to India’s green energy mission. Speaking at various forums, he highlighted the government’s intent not just to electrify tracks but also to integrate renewable sources such as solar and wind into the energy mix powering the rail grid.
A Model for the World
India’s electrification success is more than a domestic achievement—it sets a benchmark for other nations. As the global conversation around climate change, decarbonization, and sustainable transport intensifies, India’s model offers a viable roadmap for developing nations with large rail networks and limited energy resources.
From slashing emissions and cutting fuel imports to boosting indigenous industry and improving public services, India’s railway electrification journey showcases what can be achieved with long-term vision, inter-ministerial coordination, and the will to act.
As the country approaches full electrification, the world watches closely—India is not just building the future of its railways, it’s laying the track for a greener, more resilient planet.
