Decarbonising Indian Railways

• 21 Oct 2025

For Prelims : Hydrogen trains, Rail electrification, Renewable energy, Green finance, National Green Hydrogen Mission, COP26 Panchamrit targets. 

For Mains: Sustainable transport, Green hydrogen adoption, Climate finance 

Source:TH 

Why in News? 

In July 2025, the Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of India’s first hydrogen-powered coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. It reflects the Indian Railways’ broader ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

What Key Initiative Has Indian Railways Taken for a Low-Carbon Future? 

• Electrification and DFCs: Nearly 45,000 km of broad-gauge track electrified in the past decade; 98% of the broad-gauge network now runs on electricity, aimed at reducing diesel reliance and cutting GHG emissions. 
  • Efforts are underway to increase the rail freight share to 45% by 2030 through Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). 
• Renewable Energy Integration: A total of 756 MW of renewable capacity commissioned - including 553 MW solar, 103 MW wind, and 100 MW hybrid. 
  • Over 2,000 railway stations now run on solar power; several have received the BEE “Shunya” net-zero certification. 
• Hydrogen for Heritage Initiative: Under this programme, 35 hydrogen-powered trains will be introduced, including the one successfully tested at ICF in July 2025. 
  • This initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, promoting hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative for non-electrified routes. 
• Climate Finance Support: Since FY2023, India has issued ₹58,000 crore in sovereign green bonds, with ₹42,000 crore directed to transport electrification and rail expansion. 
  • The Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) plays a key role, including a USD 500 million green bond (2017) and a ₹7,500 crore loan to NTPC Green Energy for renewable capacity building. 
  • The World Bank has also extended a USD 245 million loan under the Rail Logistics Project to enhance freight efficiency. 

What are the Key Significance of Decarbonizing Indian Railways?

• Environmental Impact: The hydrogen initiative, along with large-scale electrification, could help prevent 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equal to removing 13 million cars from Indian roads. 
• Economic Savings: By 2030, the Railways could save over ₹1 lakh crore in fuel costs through energy efficiency and electrification. 
• Energy Independence: Green hydrogen can reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and boost the domestic clean energy ecosystem. 
• Public Awareness: With 24 million daily passengers, Indian Railways can act as a mass-scale awareness platform for sustainable transport and climate action. 

The State of Indian Railways 

• Indian Railways is the lifeline of India, transporting over 8 billion passengers annually. 
• Economic Role: Facilitates industrial and agricultural trade by transporting coal, iron ore, cement, and farm produce—reducing logistics costs and boosting exports. 
• Employment & Connectivity: With 1.2 million employees, it is one of the world’s largest employers, linking rural and urban India, and supporting livelihoods. 
• Sustainability: Aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 through full electrification, renewable energy adoption, and eco-friendly measures like bio-toilets. 
• Urban & Strategic Value: Expanding metro and rapid rail networks reduce congestion, while freight corridors strengthen defense logistics. 

What are the Key Challenges in Indian Railways' Transition to Clean Energy? 

• High Production Cost: Producing green hydrogen remains expensive, making large-scale adoption financially demanding for an entity like the Railways. 
• Uncertain Running Costs: The operational cost of hydrogen-fuel trains is yet to be established in the Indian context. Initial costs are expected to be high but may decline with increased deployment. 
• Small Diesel Share: Railway traction accounts for only approx 3% of total national diesel use (as of 2021-22), compared to trucks (28%) and agriculture (13.2%). 
  • Thus, full rail electrification eliminates only a minor portion of diesel emissions while other sectors remain major polluters. 
• Renewable Power Integration: The success of electrification depends on sourcing renewable electricity rather than coal-based grid power to ensure genuine decarbonisation. 

How Can Indian Railways Overcome Its Decarbonisation Barriers? 

• Cost Reduction Measures: Invest in R&D and public-private partnerships to lower green hydrogen production costs through economies of scale and indigenous technology. 
• Rolling Stock Innovations: Broader rollout of hydrogen fuel cell trains for cost-ineffective electrification routes. 
  • Incorporate AI-powered energy optimization, aerodynamic coaches, and regenerative braking. 
• Behavioural Change and Awareness: Introduce green certification for trains, carbon labelling of services, and public campaigns. 
  • Encourage citizens and businesses to participate in climate-smart rail usage. 
• Green Power for Green Trains: Electrification must be paired with renewable energy procurement to avoid emissions from a coal-heavy grid. 
  • Long-term power purchase agreements with solar/wind producers recommended. 
• Financial Support: Leverage green bonds, international climate funds, and Viability Gap Funding to sustain early-stage high costs. 

Conclusion 

The Indian Railways’ hydrogen and electrification initiatives mark a transformative step in India’s sustainable development journey. While high costs and integration challenges persist, the long-term benefits - in climate impact, energy security, and economic efficiency - make the transition both viable and visionary. 

Drishti Mains Question

How can Indian Railways’ green hydrogen adoption serve as a model for state-led climate action toward India’s net-zero goals?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the main objective of Indian Railways’ decarbonisation initiative? 
The objective is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through electrification, renewable integration, and adoption of green hydrogen technology. 

2. How does the hydrogen-powered train align with India’s Green Hydrogen Mission? 
It supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s goal of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, promoting clean mobility solutions. 

3. What challenges exist in implementing hydrogen-based trains in India? 
Key challenges include high production costs of green hydrogen, unestablished running costs, and ensuring renewable power sources for electrified routes. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: (2015)

1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.    
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.    

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only     

(b) 2 only     

(c) Both 1 and 2    

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)