Indian Railways has saved around ₹6,000 crore by shifting from diesel to electric traction, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.
The move is part of a broader push towards rail electrification, which has helped reduce fuel costs and improve operational efficiency across the network.
Vaishnaw also highlighted that energy is the second-largest expense for the Railways after staff costs, making electrification a key strategy for long-term savings.
India has rapidly expanded its electrified rail network, with tens of thousands of kilometres covered in recent years, reducing dependence on diesel locomotives.
The minister noted that diesel engines will gradually be phased out, as electric locomotives become the backbone of India’s rail operations.
This transition is also expected to bring environmental benefits, lowering carbon emissions while making train travel more sustainable and cost-efficient.
