Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions: How the Indian Railways Plans to Go Green, According to Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Delhi: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared exciting plans for Indian Railways. The focus is on electrification and using cleaner energy sources. The government aims for Indian Railways to reach ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions, with complete electrification expected by 2025-26.

Speaking at the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal via video, Vaishnaw stressed the importance of renewable energy. Indian Railways has already committed to purchasing 1,500 MW of renewable energy, and a recent agreement of 170 MW was signed with the Madhya Pradesh government, marking a step towards cheaper solar power at Rs 2.15/kWh.

The solar power will come from Madhya Pradesh’s largest solar park, supported by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Limited (RUMSL). Vaishnaw praised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for his efforts in promoting railway development in the state. He reiterated the government’s dedication to making Indian Railways more sustainable.

Indian Railways is making a concerted shift from road to rail transport. This change is not just about going green; it aims to cut down on oil imports and lower logistics costs. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and nuclear power are at the heart of this strategy, with RUMSL playing a key role.

To ensure its energy needs are met, Indian Railways plans to secure more solar power through agreements with different energy developers. By 2030, it expects its energy needs to reach 10,000 MW. So far, it has successfully secured 4,260 MW of solar and 3,427 MW of wind energy.

Vaishnaw encouraged all states to work together, contributing renewable energy—whether from solar, wind, hydro, or nuclear sources—to Indian Railways. This teamwork is crucial for achieving sustainable energy goals.

The Minister also highlighted a remarkable budget of Rs 14,745 crore allocated to improve railway infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh for the fiscal year 2025-26. This is the largest budget ever for railway projects in the state. Development has surged, with track laying increasing from 29 km yearly before 2014 to 230 km now, reflecting a 7.5 times growth.

RUMSL has been pivotal in developing large-scale solar parks in Madhya Pradesh under the Central government’s plan. By using the Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) model, RUMSL is enhancing efficiency in executing these significant renewable projects, further boosting India’s solar power capacity.