Gujarat has become 24th State/Union Territory(UT) to achieve 100% electrification of its rail network, marked by the inauguration of the electrified Sabarmati–Botad section.
Key Highlights
100% Railway Electrification in Gujarat
- Completion of Sabarmati–Botad section led to complete electrification of rail routes in Gujarat.
- Aligns with Mission 100% Electrification under Indian Railways.
Inauguration of India’s First 9,000 HP Electric Locomotive
- First 9,000-horsepower electric locomotive flagged off from Dahod.
- Name: D-90 Locomotive
- D: Dahod (manufacturing location)
- 90: 9,000 HP power rating
- Manufactured by: Siemens at Dahod in partnership with Indian Railways.
- Total Units Planned: 1,200 locomotives
- Features: Boost train capacity and power, improve speed and haulage efficiency.
- Impact:
- Boost to local employment.
- Promotion of small-scale industries supplying components.
- Naming every engine after Dahod enhances city’s identity.
Strategic Importance:
- Supports India’s Mission 100% Electrification initiative.
- Enables:
- Higher train speeds
- Improved haulage
- Better efficiency
- Reduced travel time
Progress of Railway Electrification in India
| Metric | Data |
| Total BG (Broad Gauge) Electrified (till Feb 2025) | 98% |
| States/UTs with 100% Electrified Rail Networks | 24 |
| Route km Electrified (Pre-2014) | 21,801 km (in ~60 years) |
| Route km Electrified (2014–Feb 2025) | 45,922 km |
Remaining States Yet to Achieve 100% Electrification:
| State | Electrification Status |
| Rajasthan | 98% |
| Karnataka | 96% |
| Tamil Nadu | 96% |
| Goa | 88% |
| Assam | 79% |
Environmental & Economic Benefits:
| Factor | Impact |
| Diesel Savings | 136 crore litres (2023–24 vs 2018–19); Fuel consumption reduction in traction: |
| Carbon Emission Reduction (Rail vs Road) | Rail emits only 11.5 gm CO₂/km/tonne vs 101 gm for road (~89% less than road transport) |
| Efficiency | Increased train speed, better haulage capacity, and reduced travel time; Electrification reduces diesel dependency and carbon emissions. |
Implementation Challenges:
Factors delaying electrification projects:
- Forest clearances
- Shifting utilities
- Statutory approvals
- Climatic/geological conditions
- Law and order issues
Indian Railways Initiatives to Overcome Challenges:
- Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal for resolving issues
- Enhanced financial powers for field units
- Assured funding mechanisms
- Real-time monitoring and review systems