NEW DELHI: Indian Railways (IR) is on track to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emitter status ahead of its committed timeline for Bharat, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability. By transitioning from diesel to electric traction and adopting energy-efficient measures, IR is making steady progress toward its Scope-I Net Zero target by 2025. Furthermore, reinforcing the government’s commitment to railway safety, the large-scale implementation of Kavach 4.0 is set to greatly improve the operational efficiency and security of Indian Railways. Additionally, IR is partnering with IIT Madras to advance Hyperloop technology, aiming to develop a faster, more energy-efficient, and sustainable mode of transportation.
IR has made substantial strides in reducing carbon emissions by transitioning from diesel to electric traction. Currently, 97% of its network is electrified, with only 3% remaining. Once full electrification is achieved, railway operations will predominantly rely on clean energy sources, leading to a drastic reduction in emissions.
With minimal direct emissions, IR is well-positioned to reach Scope-I Net Zero target by 2025. It aims to offset residual emissions through a combination of modal shifts from road to rail and afforestation initiatives. Furthermore, IR is actively increasing its adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce indirect emissions further.
As an environmentally friendly alternative to road transport, IR plays a pivotal role in reducing India’s carbon footprint while promoting sustainable infrastructure. Through rapid advancements in energy efficiency, electrification, and the integration of green energy solutions, IR is at the forefront of India’s green transformation, contributing significantly to the nation’s sustainability objectives.
Simultaneously, IR is fortifying safety measures with the implementation of Kavach 4.0, an advanced Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. This upgraded version features enhanced location accuracy, improved signal aspect information, and seamless electronic interlocking integration, ensuring more efficient railway operations.
By February 2025, IR has made notable progress in rolling out Kavach, deploying 5,743 km of Optical Fibre Cable, 540 telecom towers, 664 stations, 795 locomotives, and 3,727 rkm of trackside equipment. Moving forward, the plan includes equipping 10,000 locomotives, preparing 69 loco sheds, and executing trackside works for 15,000 rkm, with contracts already awarded for 1,865 rkm.
To expedite implementation, three OEMs have been approved for supply, and trials are underway to onboard additional providers. More than 20,000 technicians, operators, and engineers have undergone specialised training through IRISET. The project has secured Rs 1,950 crores in funding, with Rs 1,112.57 crores allocated for the fiscal year
This initiative, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, underscores the transformative potential of Hyperloop as a high-speed, energy-efficient, and sustainable transport solution, despite the fact that global standards are still evolving.