Indian Railways (IR) nears 100% electrification of broad-gauge network

Exam-focused facts from the 8 January 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

As of November 2025, Indian Railways (IR) electrified 69,427 route km, which is approximately 99.2% of the 70,001 km broad-gauge network.
The electrification rate for IR increased from an average of 1.42 km per day between 2004 and 2014 to more than 15 km per day between 2019 and 2025.
Railway electrification in India began in 1925 using a 1500V DC system for the first electric train between Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla.
IR utilized new construction technologies, including mechanised cylindrical foundations and automatic wiring trains, to replace slower, labour-intensive methods.
The transition from diesel-powered engines to electric trains marks a major leap towards a modern and sustainable future for the network.