Indian Railways: By 2025, all the locomotives of the train will be replaced by electric

Railways is going to make a big change in the country to reduce pollution and change the speed of trains. Under this a new policy has been made. Under this, its entire fleet of vehicles powered by diesel, biofuel or even natural gas will be replaced by electric vehicles by December 2025. This is an important step under the plan to make the country a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. Under this policy, a massive charging infrastructure will be created at major railway stations, office buildings and parking lots.

India needs to set up 46,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in the country by 2030 to match the global benchmark. As per the time frame proposed by the Railways for the zones, a target has been set to set up EV-charging stations and make up 20 per cent of its fleet by December 2023, 60 per cent by 2024 and 100 per cent by 2025.

The replacement of inspection vehicles in divisional offices and attached units will not be mandatory in the initial phase of these three years as vehicles will be required for frequent visits by officers to remote areas where adequate charging infrastructure may not be available.

Railways will also create an affordable and accessible charging infrastructure for users including passengers, visitors and general public on its premises. General Managers of Zonal Railways have been asked to advise their officers to identify and demarcate parking spots in office complexes and station premises for setting up EV-charging facilities. Charging Point Operators (CPOs) will be invited to set up Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at these locations. Parking charges will be applicable as decided by the Railways for using the charging infrastructure.