railways-to-achieve-full-electrification-by-fy26-vaishnaw

The Indian Railways is set to achieve complete electrification by the next financial year, alongside making significant strides in adopting renewable energy, Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday.

 

Virtually addressing the MP Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025, following the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the state, the Railways Minister reaffirmed the government’s target of making the railway network net zero by 2030.

 

"As of now, more than 97 per cent of railway electrification has been completed. By FY 2025-26, we will achieve 100 per cent electrification," Vaishnaw stated.

 

Push for renewable energy

 

Speaking on the transition to clean energy sources, the minister noted that 1,500 MW (1.5 GW) capacity has already been secured for the Railways.

 

"The 170 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) signed with Madhya Pradesh today is an important step in this direction," he remarked.

 

The agreement has been finalised between Railways, Waree Energies, and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL).

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#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "Indian Railways will be very happy to enter into a power purchase agreement with anyone who wants to set up a nuclear power plant... We are also very keen if someone wants to set up wind power... The model that has been… pic.twitter.com/3bX3YOgLii

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2025

 

Vaishnaw also assured that the Railways is open to purchasing additional renewable power from Madhya Pradesh, provided supply remains stable.

 

"If Madhya Pradesh can set up nuclear power plants too, Railways is ready to buy. We are interested in wind power as well," he said, adding that similar agreements could be signed with other states to enhance renewable energy procurement.

 

Record railway budget for Madhya Pradesh

 

The minister revealed that Madhya Pradesh has received an unprecedented railway budget allocation of ₹14,745 crore for FY 2025-26.

 

Highlighting the progress in railway infrastructure, Vaishnaw noted a 7.5-fold increase in the pace of railway construction in the state.

 

"Before 2014, the rate of construction of railway lines in Madhya Pradesh was only 29-30 km annually. This has now risen to 223 km per year," he said, adding that funding has been enhanced by 23 times.

 

He also provided updates on newly sanctioned railway projects in the state and ongoing works.

 

At present, a total investment of ₹1.04 lakh crore is being directed towards various railway projects associated with Madhya Pradesh.

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