February 16, 2025 marked a significant milestone in the history of Indian Railways. This day Indian Railways completed 100 years of Electrification. The journey of Electrification which started in 1925 with the electrification of a small section between Bombay Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Kurla has now reached a stage where Railway is about to achieve 100% electrification target. This journey has been marked by technological advancements, strategic expansions, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
In Pune Division of Indian railways this significant milestone is being celebrated with full zeal as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Pune was one of the first major lines to be electrified in Indian Railways. A plaque on Pune railway Station stands testament to the significant milestone achieved 96 years ago.
In Pune Division the Electrification centenary celebrations were spearheaded by Electrical department of Indian Railways and were presided over by Divisional Railway Manager Pune.
Railway Electrification: A Brief History
The inception of railway electrification in India dates back to February 3, 1925, when the first electric train operated between Bombay Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Kurla. This 16-kilometer stretch utilized a 1,500 V DC system, aiming to enhance efficiency in the bustling urban corridors of Bombay. Subsequently, in 1931, the Madras Beach–Tambaram section in South India witnessed electrification, marking one of the earliest instances of meter-gauge electrification in the country.
Following independence in 1947, India recognized the pivotal role of an electrified rail network in bolstering economic growth. The 1950s saw a strategic shift with the adoption of the 25 kV AC electrification system, a global standard offering enhanced efficiency over the earlier DC systems. A landmark achievement was the electrification of the Howrah–Burdwan section in 1958, showcasing the successful implementation of the AC system for both passenger and freight services. To further streamline electrification efforts, the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) was established in 1979, with the purpose of accelerating the electrification projects across the nation.
The introduction of three-phase locomotives in the 1990s brought about significant improvements in speed, energy efficiency, and maintenance. The integration of regenerative braking systems further enhanced energy conservation by enabling locomotives to recover and reuse energy during braking.
Benefits of Railway Electrification
The Electrification of railways was a well thought out decision taken by the policy planners which offers many benefits over the other two kinds of locomotives viz. Steam and Diesel.
Firstly the efficiency of the electric locomotives is significantly higher(90%+) than the steam and Diesel locos.
Secondly the environmental impact of the electric locos is very less(Zero Emission if they are run on Clean electricity) which reduces air pollution and shows India’s commitment to Global sustainability efforts.
Thirdly Electric Locos have higher acceleration and can achieve a speed of 200+ kmph which is significantly higher as compared to Diesel(120 kmph) and Steam Locomotives(100 kmph max).
Fourthly Electric locos have lower maintenance cost and are more reliable as compared to diesel and steam locomotives. The operating cost of Electric locos is also less. But at the same time electric locos have significant higher load carrying capacity.
All these advantages make Electrification a very suitable choice for the government.
Socio-Economic Impact of Electrification
Apart from huge environmental impact there have been huge Socio-economic impact of Electrification in India.
First and foremost has been better and faster connectivity of the remote places with the major cities. This has led to improved economic opportunities for the people living in remote places to connect with the major business hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. The process of electrification has also helped in more job creation for the Indian People.
Electrification has been particularly boon to the suburban and Metro rail Network. This has helped to transport huge traffic in congested sections more rapidly and effectively. Take the example of Mumbai Suburban. In-fact the very beginning of the electrification in India was to have more effective transport in the congested and densely populated suburban sections.
The higher haulage capacity of the Electric Locos has helped in better transportation of goods like coal and fuel which has helped in better delivery of goods and services country wide. The oxygen trains during the COVID times were a life saver for many.
Budget 2025 and Commitment to 100% Electrification
In the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, the Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the complete electrification of Indian Railways, targeting 100% electrification by the end of FY 2025-26.
Budgetary Allocations:
- Gross Budgetary Support: The Ministry of Railways has been allocated ₹2,52,000 crore for 2025-26, matching the previous fiscal year’s allocation.
- Capital Expenditure (Capex): Including ₹10,000 crore from extra-budgetary resources, the total capital expenditure for Indian Railways stands at ₹2,62,000 crore.
- ₹23,778 crore has been allocated for various railway projects, including electrification efforts for the state of Maharashtra.
Indian railways is the lifeline of India. It provides an affordable and comfortable mode of travel for the Indian masses and affluent class alike. Electrification has helped railways in Utilising its potential to help transform India from a third world economy to an emerging economy. The introduction of premium trains like Vande Bharat has changed people’s perspective about Indian Railways. The higher speed of Vande Bharat trains is primarily due to the electric train set which is defining the new era of safe, speedy and comfortable travel in Indian railways.
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