Indian Railways is exploring the use of nuclear power through captive units as it seeks to increase reliance on non-fossil fuel sources and renewable ones.

Emission Goal

• Indian Railways aims to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030.
• To achieve this, the Railways plans to require 30,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2029-30.
• Exploration of Nuclear Power:
• • Indian Railways is exploring the use of nuclear power through captive units.
  • Discussions with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) are expected to take place soon.
  • The Railways had previously considered nuclear power in 2013, with plans for a 400 MW nuclear power plant capacity, but the initiative was not pursued in 2017.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

• Partnerships are being explored with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), NTPC, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for renewable energy projects.
• In 2023, Indian Railways commissioned 147 MW of solar plants (both on rooftops and on land) and 103 MW of wind power plants.
• An additional 2,150 MW of renewable capacity has been tied up.

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Electrification and Solar Power

• As of FY24, Indian Railways has electrified nearly 63,500 Route Kilometres (RKMs), covering over 96% of the total broad-gauge network.
• Solar rooftop plants with a total power generation capacity of 177 MW have been installed at 2,637 stations and service buildings.

Captive Power Generation

• Indian Railways plans to have its own captive use power plants, including small reactors and other generating units, to reduce operating costs.
• The largest consumer of electricity in India, Indian Railways spends close to ₹20,000 crore annually on electricity to run trains and offices.