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The Indian Railways' Mission 100% electrification may result in the retirement of thousands of diesel locomotives, with little environmental benefit, as coal remains the primary energy source.

What is the "Mission 100% Electrification" project in Indian Railways?

The project aims to electrify Indian Railways' entire broad gauge network, transforming it into a "green" railway. The mission is marketed as a way to reduce environmental pollution and foreign oil reliance. However, this mission raises concerns due to the redundancy of many diesel locomotives.

Concern

According to RTI data, by March 31, 2023, over 585 diesel locomotives had been decommissioned due to electrification. These locomotives, many of which have over 15 years of service left, are becoming obsolete as a result of the push for complete electrification, resulting in a significant waste of functional assets.

Government Justifications

The government justifies electrification largely on two grounds: saving foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports and lowering environmental pollution. 

It also emphasises the potential for using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The goal is to provide a greener, more sustainable mode of transport and to transform railway land for renewable energy generation.

What is the plan for the diesel locomotives that will remain in service?

While the goal is to electrify the entire network, approximately 2,500 diesel locomotives will be kept for disaster management and strategic reasons. Another 1,000 will stay in service for a few years to meet traffic demands. This means that, despite 100% electrification, about 3,500 diesel locomotives will remain in use, raising concerns about the effectiveness and necessity of full electrification.

Is the claim of environmental benefits from electrification valid?

Electricity in India is still largely produced by coal-fired thermal plants, which contribute to pollution. Replacing diesel locomotives with electric locomotives simply moves pollution from the tracks to power plants, providing no net environmental benefit. The concept of a "green railway" is premature, as India is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

What are the economic implications of 100% electrification?

The project has economic implications, such as the redundant diesel locomotives that are still in good working condition.

The Indian Railways is heavily dependent on coal transportation, which is the most profitable freight source of income. Unless a shift to non-coal alternatives occurs, electrification may not provide significant financial benefits, and it may even compromise financial stability if primary revenue from coal transportation declines.

Way Forward  

The project is promoted as an economic and environmental improvement, but in practice, coal remains a major energy source and diesel locomotives are still used, so the mission's declared objectives of building a completely 'green' railway are being questioned, therefore the situation require a comprehensive assessment involving all stakeholders to design policies and implementation roadmap to ensure sustainable development of Indian Railways. 

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 Source: 

The Hindu