The government’s push for 100% railway electrification has led to redundant diesel locomotives. Recently, six locomotives are being exported to Africa after conversion, but critics see this as asset wastage and a result of flawed, ambitious policies.
Understanding the Issue of Redundant Diesel Locomotives
- The electrification of the entire broad gauge network of Indian Railways has left hundreds of diesel-electric locomotives — many still with years of serviceable life — redundant.
- According to RTI data as of March 31, 2023, 585 diesel locomotives were idling across various railway yards.
- By 2024, this figure rose to 760 locomotives, with over 60% of them having a residual life exceeding 15 years.
- This redundancy stems from the government’s aggressive push for 100% electrification of Indian Railways, carried out at an accelerated pace.
| Mission 100% Electrification – Moving Towards Net Zero Carbon EmissionThe objectives of the mission are outlined as follows:To Provide a green and clean mode of transport to the public.To utilize the potential of renewable energy, particularly solar, by making use of the vast land available along railway tracks. |
|---|
Justifications for Railway Electrification
- Saving Foreign Exchange
- Reduces the need for crude oil imports by eliminating diesel usage in railway operations.
- Reducing Environmental Pollution
- Electrification is promoted as a cleaner alternative to diesel, helping reduce emissions.
- Supports the transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, aligning with sustainability goals.
Critics’ Counterview
- Insignificant Impact on Crude Oil Savings: Diesel consumption for railway traction accounts for just 2% of India’s total diesel usage (2021-22), whereas trucks consume 28% and agriculture 13.2%.
- Thus, eliminating railways’ diesel use will have negligible effects on foreign exchange savings.
- Environmental Claims Lack Substance: Electricity, a secondary energy source, is primarily generated through coal-fired thermal plants, which contribute nearly 50% of India’s total power generation.
- The Indian Railways plays a key role in this coal-centric cycle: in 2023-24, 40% of its freight earnings came from transporting coal to power plants.
- This creates a paradox: electric locomotives, powered by coal-based electricity, are used to transport more coal for thermal power generation.
- As a result, pollution is not eliminated but merely shifted to coal-fired power plants, causing concentrated environmental harm.
- Critics argue that unless 80% of India’s electricity comes from renewable sources like solar and wind — a distant goal — the vision of a “green railway” remains unrealistic and unsustainable.
- The Issue of Wasted Assets: Indian Railways currently possesses over 4,000 diesel locomotives. Despite plans for 100% electrification, a significant number will remain in use:
- 2,500 diesel locomotives are to be retained for “disaster management and strategic purposes.”
- 1,000 locomotives will continue operations to meet traffic demands in the coming years.
- This raises questions about the urgency of 100% electrification and highlights key concerns:
- Premature Wastage: Around 760 locomotives with substantial remaining service life are being sidelined or unnecessarily sent to scrap yards.
- Financial Implications: Massive taxpayer expenditure on electrification contrasts with underutilized assets worth thousands of crores.
- Critics argue that such initiatives, while presented to garner public appreciation, fail to reflect genuine on-ground progress
Conclusion
The ambition to create a “green railway” is commendable, but the implementation of Mission 100% electrification raises concerns about its planning and long-term sustainability. A successful transition requires a genuine shift to renewable energy and better asset management. Indian Railways must align modernization efforts with economic viability and environmental realities to achieve its green objectives meaningfully.
| Q. Indian railway’s mission of 100% electrification, while ambitious, presents several paradoxes in terms of environmental benefits and economic viability. Critically analyse the challenges and suggest a balanced approach for sustainable railway modernisation. (15 M, 250 words) |
|---|
