Indian Railways Electrification Reaches 99.2%, Surpassing UK, China, and Russia

Indian Railways has achieved a landmark feat by completing 99.2% electrification of its Broad Gauge network. Discover how India has moved ahead of major global rail powers like the UK, Russia, and China.

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing the 99.2% Indian Railways Electrification milestone in Parliament. — ***Indian Railways has achieved over 99 per cent electrification of the Broad Gauge Network, and it is near to achieving full electrification. (Photo: Social Media)***

Railways’ Global Leadership in Electrification

Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone in rail electrification. The system has completed 99.2% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) network. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this significant information in Parliament. This achievement places Indian Railways ahead of many developed nations globally. According to the June 2025 report by the International Union of Railways (UIC), India’s position is far superior. It is better than countries like the United Kingdom (39%), Russia (52%), and China (82%). Only Switzerland is ahead, boasting 100% electrification.

Mission Mode Implementation and Record Growth

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave a written reply to a question in Parliament. He confirmed that electrification is being implemented in a “mission mode.” Before 2014, only 21,801 Route Kilometers (RKM) were electrified over approximately 60 years. However, a record 46,900 RKM was electrified between 2014 and 2025. In the year 2023-24, 7,188 RKM of electrification was completed. Furthermore, 2,701 RKM was completed in 2024-25. The Rail Minister also stated that 14 railway zones in the country are now 100% electrified. These include Central Railway, Northern Railway, Eastern Railway, Western Railway, South Central Railway, Kolkata Metro, and Konkan Railway.

Status of Zonal and Regional Progress

The North Western Railway and Southern Railway have reached almost 98% electrification. Similarly, the North East Frontier and South Western Railway are at about 95% electrification. The process of 100% electrification is complete in 25 states and union territories. These include Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, and Delhi. In the Northeast, 100% BG network electrification is complete in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram. Assam has achieved 92% electrification, and work continues on the remaining routes.

New Projects and Implementation Challenges

The Rail Minister clarified that all new line and multi-tracking projects are approved and constructed with electrification included. However, some projects might face delays. Reasons for delays include approvals related to forest land, geographical conditions, weather patterns, and law-and-order situations.