The Railways would require around 30.13 billion units of
electricity after 100 per cent of its broad gauge lines in the next few years
Railway minister AshwiniVaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.
MrVaishnaw said the Indian Railways is
progressively procuring renewable energy from various sources for its present
and future requirements.
Based on the present electricity consumption for traction
purposes of Indian Railways, the expected increase in electricity consumption
after 100 per cent electrification is estimated to be about 30.13 billion
units.†The actual demand for power will hinge on future passenger and freight
traffic across the Railways network, the minister said.
60,814 km of broad gauge lines within the Railways have
been electrified as of November 2023. He however did not disclose the extent of
broad gauge lines that are yet to be electrified. Vast sections of southern railway are yet to
be electrified though the railway board had set 2023 for hundred per cent of
all broad gauge railway tracks..