The Hidden Cost of Greenwashing the Indian Railways

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. 

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Justifications for Railway Electrification

1. Saving Foreign Exchange
   • Reduces the need for crude oil imports by eliminating diesel usage in railway operations.
2. 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

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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.