India Marks 100 Years of Railway Electrification, Gujarat Leads the Way
India recently celebrated a century since the introduction of its first electric train on 3 February, highlighting a significant milestone in railway modernisation. Over the past 100 years, the country has electrified 64,547 km of its broad gauge railway network, with Gujarat emerging as one of the most electrified states.
Gujarat’s Rapid Electrification Progress
As of 31 December 2024, Gujarat’s broad gauge railway network spans 4,087 km, with 3,972 km already electrified—leaving just 115 km pending completion. The successful electrification of the Ahmedabad-Himmatnagar-Udaipur railway line has further enhanced regional connectivity and efficiency.
Electrification enables the operation of electric locomotives, which require overhead electric lines and strategically placed substations. This transition improves energy efficiency, reduces fuel dependency, and lowers emissions, making railway transportation more sustainable and cost-effective.
A Decade of Transformational Growth
Gujarat’s railway electrification has accelerated significantly over the past decade. On 1 April 2014, only 785 km of railway tracks in the state were electrified. Since then, an additional 3,187 km—nearly 80% of the state’s broad gauge network—has been electrified. This rapid progress underscores the government’s commitment to modernising railway infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation.
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