Beatrice Lang
India has the fourth largest national railway system in the world, with a track length of 135,207 km as of 2024. The history of Indian Railways dates back to 1832, when the proposal to construct the country's first railway line in Madras was made. The first train ran on the Red Hill railway line in Madras in 1837, and the first electric train ran between Bombay and Kurla in 1925. Railway electrification is the use of electric power for the propulsion of rail transport, and electric railways offer benefits such as improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower operating costs compared to diesel or steam-powered trains. As India continues to expand and modernize its railway network, electrification plays a crucial role in improving sustainability and reducing costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of first electric train | 1925 |
| Location of first electric train | Between Bombay and Kurla/Bombay and Thane |
| Locomotive | Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) 2,400 hp (1,800 kW) electric locomotive |
| Traction | DC |
| Voltage | 1500 V |
| Electrification system | Overhead line |
| Current railway electrification coverage | 96.59% of the broad-gauge network |
| Current electrification target | 100% |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric trains are more energy-efficient, cheaper to run, and more environmentally friendly than diesel trains
- Electric trains are propelled by electric power, transmitted to the railway network and distributed to trains
- The first electric train in India ran between Bombay and Kurla in 1925, hauled by a Swiss Locomotive
- Electric trains can switch to different supply voltages, allowing for flexible operation
- India has 10,675 electric locomotives, with 96.59% of the broad-gauge network electrified as of August 2024
Electric trains are more energy-efficient, cheaper to run, and more environmentally friendly than diesel trains
Indian Railways operates India's national railway system, the fourth largest in the world. As of 2024, it manages over 108,706 km of tracks and operates over 13,000 trains daily. The railways primarily operate a fleet of electric and diesel locomotives, with a few compressed natural gas (CNG) locomotives.
Electric trains are more energy-efficient than diesel trains. A techno-economic analysis by Popovich et al. found that battery-electric trains have the potential for economic benefits and emissions reduction. Electric trains emit 20-35% less carbon per passenger mile than diesel trains. This benefit will improve as the electricity generation industry reduces its carbon emissions.
Electric trains are also cheaper to run. The high cost of diesel means that electric trains are more cost-effective. The maintenance costs of electric trains are also lower, as they are lighter and cause less damage to the tracks.
Finally, electric trains are more environmentally friendly. They have zero emissions at the point of use, which is particularly beneficial for air quality in pollution hotspots like city centres and mainline stations. The Indian government has recognised the environmental benefits of electric trains and has targeted the electrification of the entire rail network.
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Electric trains are propelled by electric power, transmitted to the railway network and distributed to trains
Electric trains are a crucial component of the transportation sector's transition to a sustainable and efficient mode of moving people and goods. They offer a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional diesel locomotives, which burn petroleum products and produce emissions. Electric trains are propelled by electric power, transmitted to the railway network, and distributed to the trains themselves.
The process of railway electrification involves the integration of various components, such as substations, transformers, and distribution networks. Electricity is typically generated in large and efficient generating stations and is then transmitted to the railway network. Some electric railways have their dedicated generating stations and transmission lines, while most purchase power from an electric utility. The railway usually provides its own distribution lines, switches, and transformers.
The electricity is supplied to the moving trains through one of two methods: an overhead line or a third rail. The overhead line system involves suspending wires from poles or towers along the track, while the third rail system uses a rail mounted at track level, which the train draws power from through a sliding shoe or a pickup device. Standardizing voltage across different rail networks is essential to simplify operations and maintenance while facilitating interoperability.
The advantages of electric trains over diesel locomotives are significant. Electric locomotives are generally quieter, more powerful, more responsive, and reliable. They produce no local emissions, which is particularly advantageous in tunnels and urban areas. Additionally, electric trains can accelerate and decelerate more rapidly than diesel trains, making them ideal for high-speed travel. The environmental benefits of electric trains are also notable, as electricity can be generated from diverse sources, including renewable energy, offering better energy efficiency and lower operating costs.
In India, the history of electric trains dates back to 1925 when the first electric train ran between Bombay and Kurla, hauled by a Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) electric locomotive using DC traction. Since then, India has made significant progress in electrifying its vast railway network, with a target announced in 2017 to electrify the entire rail network by 2023. As of 2024, 96.59% of India's broad-gauge network is electrified, showcasing the country's commitment to embracing electric trains and their associated benefits.
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The first electric train in India ran between Bombay and Kurla in 1925, hauled by a Swiss Locomotive
On 3 February 1925, the first electric train in India ran between Bombay and Kurla. The train was hauled by a Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) 2,400 hp (1,800 kW) electric locomotive on 1500 V DC traction. The SLM locomotive was manufactured by Cammell Laird and Uerdingenwagonfabrik.
The first electric train in India marked the introduction of electric locomotives in the country. Electric locomotives are powered by electricity from energy storage such as batteries and supercapacitors. This particular electric line was later extended to Nashik's Igatpuri district and then to Pune.
The history of Indian Railways began in 1832 with a proposal to construct the first railway line in India at Madras. In 1835, a railway track was constructed between Red Hills and Chintadripet in Madras, becoming operational in 1837. The railway was hauled by a rotary steam engine imported from England and was used for ferrying granite.
In 1853, the first passenger train ran between Bombay and Thane. The train had 14 carriages and was hauled by three steam locomotives: the Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan. By the 1920s, steam locomotives were gradually replaced by electric and diesel alternatives. Today, Indian Railways operates a fleet of primarily electric and diesel locomotives, with some compressed natural gas (CNG) locomotives.
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Electric trains can switch to different supply voltages, allowing for flexible operation
India has the fourth largest national railway system in the world, with a track length of 135,207 km as of 2024. The Indian Railways system primarily operates electric and diesel locomotives, with some compressed natural gas (CNG) locomotives. In 1925, the first electric train in India ran between Bombay and Kurla, hauled by a Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) 2,400 hp electric locomotive on 1500 V DC traction.
Electric trains have the advantage of being able to switch to different supply voltages, allowing for flexible operation. This is especially useful when traversing different regions with varying supply voltages and frequencies, which would otherwise complicate through service and require a change of locomotives. This is achieved through the use of multi-voltage locomotives, which also have multiple pantographs, as different networks may use different types of wire or varying tightness.
The ability to switch voltages also allows electric trains to be more flexible in their primary energy source. While diesel trains are limited to diesel fuel, electric trains can use coal, natural gas, nuclear or renewable energy sources. This makes electrification an attractive option for environmental reasons, as well as operational ones.
In addition, raising the voltage means lower current is required to transmit a certain level of power, which reduces losses and allows for lighter equipment and more spacing between traction substations. However, higher voltage also requires larger isolation gaps, which can make some elements of infrastructure larger.
Overall, the ability of electric trains to switch to different supply voltages is a significant advantage, offering operational flexibility and contributing to the widespread adoption of electrification in railway systems.
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India has 10,675 electric locomotives, with 96.59% of the broad-gauge network electrified as of August 2024
India has made significant strides in electrifying its vast railway network, which is managed by Indian Railways, a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. As of August 2024, India had 10,675 electric locomotives, and the electrification of the broad-gauge network stood at 96.59%. This large-scale electrification drive is part of a broader modernisation effort to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the country's rail system.
The history of India's railway system dates back to the 1800s, with the first train hauled by a steam locomotive running in 1837 between Red Hills and Chintadripet in Madras. Electric locomotives were introduced much later, in 1925, marking the beginning of a transition away from steam power. The first electric train ran between Bombay and Kurla, hauled by a Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) electric locomotive on 1500 V DC traction. This early adoption of electric traction set the stage for the gradual electrification of India's vast railway network.
Over the years, Indian Railways has continued to expand and modernise its fleet, introducing diesel locomotives in 1954 and, more recently, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trains in 2015. Despite these alternatives, the push towards electrification has gained momentum due to its environmental and economic benefits. The shift to electric rail is expected to reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil, enhancing the country's energy security.
The electrification of the railway network has been a key focus area for the Indian government, with the Environment Directorate providing centralised investment to accelerate electrification efforts. Between 2019 and 2023, the rate of electrification increased substantially, reaching a pace that was nine times quicker than the previous period. This rapid progress has been attributed to factors such as assured funding, streamlined decision-making, and the adoption of state-of-the-art technology.
As of 2024, Indian Railways managed the fourth-largest national railway system by size, with a track length of over 135,207 km. The system employs more than 1.2 million people, making it the world's ninth-largest employer. With its extensive network, modern fleet, and ongoing electrification efforts, Indian Railways continues to play a crucial role in connecting people and goods across the vast and diverse landscape of India.
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Frequently asked questions
Railway electrification is the use of electric power for the propulsion of rail transport. Electric railways use electric locomotives (hauling passengers or freight in separate cars) or electric multiple units (passenger cars with their own motors).
Electric trains are more energy-efficient, have lower emissions, and have lower operating costs. They are also quieter, more powerful, and more responsive and reliable.
The first electric train in India ran between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Kurla on February 3, 1925. It was hauled by a Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) 2,400 hp (1,800 kW) electric locomotive using 1500 V DC traction.
As of August 2024, 96.59% of India's broad-gauge network is electrified. In March 2017, Indian Railways announced a target of electrifying the entire rail network by 2023.
