Indian Railways Progresses on Renewable Energy Adoption with 812 MW Solar and 93 MW Wind Power

Indian Railways has significantly boosted its renewable energy capacity by commissioning 812 MW of solar and 93 MW of wind power till November 2025.  

These projects are aimed at meeting traction needs, in line with the organisation’s target to become a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. 

Key Achievements in Renewable Traction Power 

As part of its eco-conscious initiative, Indian Railways has shifted focus to power its operations using clean energy sources. Till November 2025, 812 MW of solar power and 93 MW of wind energy installations have been utilised for railway traction requirements.  

Additionally, a 100 MW renewable energy flow under the Round the Clock (RTC) mode has commenced via the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). 

Indian Railways has also tied up 1,500 MW of additional RTC renewable capacity, combining solar, wind, and storage solutions. This hybrid model aids in ensuring a steady, all-day renewable power supply for railway traction, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 

Electrification and Modern Locomotives 

Electrification of the rail network continues in mission mode. Presently, 99.2% of the Broad Gauge network has been electrified. A comparison shows network electrification was 21,801 km before 2014 and rose to 46,900 km between 2014 and 2025. This represents over double the electrified routes within 11 years. 

New locomotives using IGBT-based three-phase technology with regenerative braking have been introduced. These help recover part of the energy during braking, leading to improved energy utilisation. 

Read More: Indian Railways Set to Launch Its First Hydrogen-Powered Train! 

Expenditure and Alternative Energy Initiatives 

In fiscal year 2023–24, Indian Railways spent ₹29,614 crore on traction, covering different power sources. Alongside solar and wind, a hydrogen-powered train trial has been initiated. Developed as per the RDSO specifications, this train reflects a shift towards alternative propulsion technologies for rail travel. 

Coal-based steam engines now operate only on heritage routes like UNESCO-recognised mountain railways, seasonal trains, and chartered journeys, preserving their historical significance. 

Conclusion 

Indian Railways’ adoption of renewable energy is expanding with 812 MW solar and 93 MW wind capacity already operational. Supported by further 1,600 MW of hybrid power, this move aligns with the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

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