Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways is set to achieve 100% electrification by the financial year 2025-26, with a strong push toward renewable energy adoption. Speaking virtually at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025, he reaffirmed the government’s goal of making Railways net zero by 2030.
Currently, over 97% of railway lines have been electrified, and full electrification is expected to be completed within the next financial year. To support its sustainability goals, Indian Railways has secured a renewable energy capacity of 1.5 GW, including a recent 170 MW power purchase agreement with Madhya Pradesh. This agreement involves Railways, Waree Energies, and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL).
Vaishnaw stated that Railways is ready to procure stable renewable energy supplies from Madhya Pradesh and expressed interest in future wind and nuclear power projects. He also welcomed similar agreements with other states to enhance Railways’ green energy initiatives.
Madhya Pradesh has been allocated a record railway budget of ₹14,745 crore (US$ 1.70 billion) for FY26. Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid progress in railway infrastructure, stating that before 2014, railway construction in the state averaged only 29.3 km per year, whereas it now stands at 223 km annually. The pace of railway development has increased 7.5 times, and budget allocations have expanded 23 times.
The minister also provided updates on railway projects in the state, revealing that investments worth ₹1,04,000 crore (US$ 12 billion) are currently underway for various railway infrastructure initiatives.
