• Indian Railways is on a mission mode to electrify its entire broad gauge network to provide environment friendly, green and clean mode of transport to its people under ‘Mission 100% Electrification’.

• The Konkan Railway Corporation said it has completed electrification on its entire 741-kilometer route between Roha in Maharashtra and Thokur in Karnataka.

• Electrification will bring about savings of Rs 150 crore on fuel, reduced dependence on diesel, besides ensuring seamless and pollution-free operations.

• The foundation stone of the electrification project was laid in November 2015 and the total cost stood at Rs 1,287 crore.

• Train operations with electrical traction will be implemented on the route in a phased manner.

Mission 100% Electrification

• India has the fourth largest railway network in the world and is the third largest energy consuming country.

• Indian Railways has embarked upon an ambitious plan of electrification of its complete broad gauge network by 2023-24 which would not only result in a better fuel energy usage resulting in increased throughput, reduced fuel expenditure but also savings in precious foreign exchange.

• Indian Railways have planned a gradual shift towards green energy usage for traction and non-traction purposes, which would enable the country to be net zero carbon emitter by the year 2030.

• The total broad gauge network for electrification, including the Konkan route, is 64,689 route kilometers (RKM).

• After running of trains on electric traction, the diesel locomotive hauled trains cease to work, which eliminates pollution as well as India’s dependence on the imported fuel.

• Apart from this, the average speed of trains increases along the routes of electrification.

• Close to 30 billion units of electricity shall be required for railway electrification on an annual basis by 2024 leading to excellent opportunities for renewable power.

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)

• Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) was established in 1990 with equity participation by ministry of railways (51 per cent), Maharashtra (22 per cent), Karnataka (15 per cent), Kerala (6 per cent) and Goa (6 per cent) for the purpose of construction and operation of railway along the Western Coast of India.

• The 741-kilometer line along the west coast connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka — a region of criss-crossing rivers, valleys and mountains.

• The first train on the completed track was flagged off on January 26, 1998.

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