Lok Sabha Question No. 6003 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Status of Railway Electrification
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6003 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## STATUS OF RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION

## 6003. DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  current  status  of  railway  electrification  including  the route  in  kilometres  electrified,  pending  sections  and  timelines  for achieving hundred percent electrification in the country;
- (b)  the  details  of  progress  made  in  the  implementation  of  the  KAVACH automatic train  protection  system  including  routes  where  it  has  been deployed, stages of rollout and expected completion dates;
- (c)  the  details  of  the  financial  allocations  made,  funds  utilized  and  major challenges faced in the electrification projects and KAVACH implementation;
- (d)  the  details  of  the  measures  taken  to  ensure  safety,  energy  efficiency and reduction of carbon footprint through electrification and advanced train protection systems; and
- (e)  the  details  of  future  plans  and  timelines  for  full  operationalisation  of KAVACH across the Railways and the integration of electrified routes with modern signalling technologies?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e)  Electric  traction  is  more  environment  friendly  and  efficient. Accordingly, Electrification of railway network on Indian Railways (IR) has been taken up in mission mode. So far, about 99.4% of Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified. The electrification in remaining network has been taken up. Electrification carried out during 2014-25 and before 2014 is as under:

§

| Period                       | Route Kilometer   |
|------------------------------|-------------------|
| Before 2014 (about 60 years) | 21,801            |
| 2014-25                      | 46,900            |

Funding  for  railway  electrification  has  been  significantly  increased  from Rs. 5,545 crore in 2004-14 to Rs. 53,122 crore in 2014-24.

The completion of Electrification project(s) depends on various factors like forest clearances, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year  for  particular  project  site  due  to  climatic  conditions  etc.  All  these factors affect the completion time of the project(s).

Reduction in CO2 emissions in transportation by railways as compared to transportation  by  road  is  as  under  (Ref:-  NITI  Aayog  Report  titled  'Fast Tracking Freight In India, June 2021)

| Mode of Transportation   | CO 2 emission for transportation of 1 tonne for 1 km   |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| Road                     | 101 gm                                                 |
| Rail                     | 11.5 gm (about 89% less)                               |

Indian Railways is committed to sustainable operation through near total Railway Electrification combined with use of renewable energy sources, a combination of solar, wind and other renewable sources based on strategic power procurement planning, thus contributing to carbon footprint reduction.

Safety:

Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a consequence of various safety measures taken  over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents.

Number  of  Consequential  Train  Accidents  has  reduced  as  shown  in  the table below:-

| Year                      | Consequential Accidents   |
|---------------------------|---------------------------|
| 2014-15                   | 135                       |
| 2025-26 (upto 25.03.2026) | 15 (89% lesser)           |

Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accident Index, the details of which are as under:Consequential Accident Index:-

| Year    | Accident Index    |
|---------|-------------------|
| 2014-15 | 0.11              |
| 2024-25 | 0.03 (73% lesser) |

This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running kilometres of all trains.

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The various safety measures taken to enhance safety in train operations are as under:-

1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as under:-
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,665 stations up to 28.02.2026 to reduce accidents due to human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at  10,153 Level Crossing Gates up to 28.02.2026 for enhancing safety at LC Gates.
4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of  track  occupancy  by  electrical  means  has  been  provided  at  6,669 stations up to 28.02.2026.
5. Detailed  instructions  on  issues  related  with  safety  of  Signalling,  e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
6. System  of  disconnection  and  reconnection  for  S&T  equipment  as  per protocol has been re-emphasized.
7. All  locomotives  are  equipped  with  Vigilance  Control  Devices  (VCD)  to improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
8. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather.

| Year    | Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   |
|---------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2013-14 | 39,200                                                         |
| 2022-23 | 87,336                                                         |
| 2023-24 | 1,01,662                                                       |
| 2024-25 | 1,14,022                                                       |
| 2025-26 | 1,17,693                                                       |
| 2026-27 | 1,20,389                                                       |

9. A  GPS  based  Fog  Safety  Device  (FSD)  is  provided  to  loco  pilots  in  fog affected  areas  which  enables  loco  pilots  to  know  the  distance  of  the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc.
10. Modern  track  structure  consisting  of  60kg,  90  Ultimate  Tensile Strength  (UTS)  rails,  Prestressed  Concrete  Sleeper  (PSC)  Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals.
11. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors.
12. Maximizing  supply  of  130m/260m  long  rail  panels  for  increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety.
13. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails.
14. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and  adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e.,  Flash  Butt Welding.
15. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
16. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
17. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works.
18. Inspections  at  regular  intervals  are  carried  out  to  monitor  and educate staff for observance of safe practices.
19. Web  based  online  monitoring  system  of  track  assets  viz.  Track database  and  decision  support  system  has  been  adopted  to  decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.

20. Detailed  instructions  on  issues  related  with  safety  of  Track,  e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued.
21. Preventive  maintenance  of  railway  assets  (Coaches  &  Wagons)  is undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
22. Replacement  of  conventional  ICF  design  coaches  with  LHB  design coaches is being done.
23. All  unmanned  level  crossings  (UMLCs)  on  Broad  Gauge  (BG)  route have been eliminated by January 2019.
24. Safety  of  Railway  Bridges  is  ensured  through  regular  inspection  of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.
25. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory 'Fire Notices' for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to educate and alert passengers regarding various Do's and Don'ts  to  prevent  fire.  These  include  messages  regarding  not  carrying any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties etc.
26. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in  newly  manufactured  Power  Cars  and  Pantry  Cars,  Fire  and  Smoke detection  system  in  newly  manufactured  coaches.  Progressive  fitment of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner.
27. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
28. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work of integrated maintenance/repair/replacement of assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan.

The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices,  Technological  improvements,  better  infrastructure  and  rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-

| SN                                      | Item                                                      | 2004-05 to 2013-14                      | 2014-15 to 2024-25                              | 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14                     |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Technological Improvements              | Technological Improvements                                | Technological Improvements              | Technological Improvements                      | Technological Improvements              |
| 1.                                      | Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km)                    | 57,450 Km                               | 1.43 Lakh Km                                    | More than 2 times                       |
| 2.                                      | Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km)                            | 9,917 Km                                | 77,522 Km                                       | Nearly 8 times                          |
| 3.                                      | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                        | 837 Stations                            | 3,691 Stations                                  | More than 4 times                       |
| 4.                                      | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                            | As on 31.03.14: 90 Nos.                 | As on 31.03.25: 25,939 Nos.                     | 288 times                               |
| 5.                                      | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)                                 | Nil                                     | 28,301 Nos.                                     |                                         |
| Better Maintenance Practices            | Better Maintenance Practices                              | Better Maintenance Practices            | Better Maintenance Practices                    | Better Maintenance Practices            |
| 1.                                      | Primary Rail Renewal (Track Km)                           | 32,260 Km                               | 49,941 Km                                       | 1.5 times                               |
| 2.                                      | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.) | 79.43 Lakh                              | 2 Crore                                         | More than 2 times                       |
| 3.                                      | Weld failures (Nos.)                                      | In 2013-14: 3699 Nos.                   | In 2024-25: 370 Nos.                            | 90 % reduction                          |
| 4.                                      | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                     | In 2013-14: 2548 Nos.                   | In 2024-25: 289 Nos.                            | More than 88% reduction                 |
| Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock                   | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock         | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock |
| 1.                                      | New Track KM added (Track Km)                             | 14,985 Km                               | 34,428 Km                                       | More than 2 times                       |
| 2.                                      | Flyovers (RoBs)/Underpasses (RUBs) (Nos.)                 | 4,148 Nos.                              | 13,808 Nos.                                     | More than 3 times                       |
| 3.                                      | Unmanned Level crossings (Nos.) on BG                     | As on 31.03.14: 8,948                   | As on 31.03.24:Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) | Removed                                 |
| 4.                                      | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                         | 2,337 Nos.                              | 42,677                                          | More than 18 times                      |

## Implementation of Kavach:-

1. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4).
2. Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of trains within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather.
3. The  first  field  trials  on  the  passenger  trains  were  started  in  February 2016. Based on the experience gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach Ver 3.2.
4. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July, 2020.
5. 5.
6. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
- a. Installation  of  Station  Kavach  at  each  and  every  station,  block section.
8. b.
9. c.
10. d.
11. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
12. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
13. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
- e. Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
6. Based  on  deployment  of  Kavach  version  3.2  on  1465  RKm  on  South Central  Railway  and  experience  gained,  further  improvements  were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
7. Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway  network.  This  is  a  significant  milestone  in  safety  for  Indian Railways.  Within  a  short  period,  IR  has  developed,  tested  and  started deploying Automatic Train Protection System.
8. Major improvement in Version 4.0 includes increased Location Accuracy,  Improved  Information  of  Signal  Aspects  in  bigger  yards, Station  to  Station  Kavach  interface  on  OFC  and  Direct  Interface  to

existing  Electronic  Interlocking  System.  With  these  improvements, Kavach  Ver.4.0.  is  planned  for  large  scale  deployment  over  Indian Railways.

9. After  extensive  and  elaborate  trials,  Kavach  Version  4.0  has  been successfully commissioned on 1638 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes as below:
10. Track  side  Kavach  implementation  work  has  been  taken  up  on 24,427 RKM covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian Railways.
11. Progress  of  key  items  of  Kavach  on  High  density  routes  including Delhi-Mumbai & Delhi-Howrah corridors as on 25.03.26 are as under:

| SN   | Section                                   | Progress (Route Km)   |
|------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| (1)  | Delhi-Mumbai route:                       | Delhi-Mumbai route:   |
| i    | Junction cabin - Palwal - Mathura -       | 667                   |
| ii   | Vadodara - Ahmedabad section              | 96                    |
| iii  | Vadodara - Virar section                  | 336                   |
| (2)  | Delhi - Howrah route:                     | Delhi - Howrah route: |
| i    | Gaya Sarmatanr section                    | 93                    |
| ii   | Chota Ambana - Bardhaman - Howrah section | 260                   |
| iii  | Subedarganj - Kanpur                      | 186                   |

| SN   | Item                                 | Progress    |
|------|--------------------------------------|-------------|
| i    | Laying of Optical Fibre Cable        | 8923 Km     |
| ii   | Installation of Telecom Towers       | 1184 nos    |
| iii  | Station Data Centre                  | 767 station |
| iv   | Installation of Track side equipment | 7165 RKm    |
| v    | Provision of Kavach in Loco          | 4277 nos    |

12. In addition, work for installation of Kavach in 8979 Locomotives and 1200 EMU/MEMU has been taken up.
13. Specialized  training  programmes  on  Kavach  are  being  conducted  at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials. By now more than 61,758 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This includes about 52,317 Loco Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.
14. The  cost  for  provision  of  Track  Side  including  Station  equipment  of Kavach  is  approximately  Rs.  50  Lakhs/Km  and  cost  for  provision  of Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs. 80 Lakh/Loco.
15. The funds utilized on Kavach works so far up to Feb'26 is Rs. 2,763.90 Crores. The allocation of funds during the year 2025-26 is Rs.  1673.19  Crores.  Requisite  funds  are  made  available  as  per  the progress of works.

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