Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone in its infrastructure modernization programme by electrifying approximately 99.2 per cent of its broad-gauge network, bringing the country close to a fully electrified railway system. According to an official statement by the Ministry of Railways in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, this reflects a significant acceleration in electrification work over recent years. 
Under the mission-mode electrification drive, the network has seen rapid progress. Between 2014 and 2025, Indian Railways electrified 46,900 route kilometres, more than double the cumulative electrified track of 21,801 km completed over the preceding six decades. 
The current electrification rate has also been exceptional in recent financial years, with 7,188 km electrified in 2023-24 and 2,701 km in 2024-25. All new lines and multi-track expansion projects sanctioned by Indian Railways now include electrification as a standard feature. 
A total of 14 out of India’s 18 railway zones including major zones such as Northern, Western, Central and Eastern Railways have already achieved 100 per cent electrification of their broad-gauge network. In addition, 25 states and union territories have now fully electrified their rail networks, a key step towards nationwide coverage. 
Electrification is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including lower carbon emissions, reduced reliance on diesel fuel and improved operational efficiency. According to comparative international data, India’s electrification level on broad-gauge routes now significantly surpasses that of countries like the United Kingdom, Russia and China. 
Despite the near-completion status, a small portion of routes remains under electrification work and will be finished in the coming months. Once fully completed, India will operate one of the largest electrified rail networks in the world, aligning with Indian Railways’ longer-term vision of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter. 
