India achieves 99.6% railway electrification, now has the world's largest electrified rail network

India has become the global leader in railway electrification, with 99.6% of its broad gauge track network now electrified. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this milestone in Parliament, noting that India's network is larger than any other country, including China at 82% and Spain at 67%. The achievement represents a massive acceleration: 48,072 route kilometers were electrified between 2014 and 2026, compared to just 21,801 km in the 60 years prior. The shift has cut diesel consumption for railway traction from 293 crore liters in 2015-16 to 108 crore liters in 2024-25, saving foreign exchange and reducing carbon emissions. Rail transport emits about 89% less CO2 than road transport per passenger or ton of freight. Indian Railways has also commissioned over 1,260 MW of solar and wind capacity to support low-carbon operations. Electrified railways are well suited to integrate renewable energy into traction power systems. India's near-total electrification combined with strategic renewable procurement positions rail as a key tool for grid decarbonization and emissions reduction in the transport sector.