Indian Railways Moves Towards Net Zero with Renewable Energy Push

Indian Railways has taken another step toward achieving its Net Zero goal by signing a 170 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Madhya Pradesh government. This deal secures the cheapest solar power in India at ₹2.15 per kWh and strengthens the railway’s commitment to using renewable energy sources.

Indian Railways’ Renewable Energy Targets

Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, emphasised the importance of renewable energy for Indian Railways. The government plans to complete 100% electrification by FY26 and is focusing on solar, wind, and nuclear power.

So far, Indian Railways has secured:

• 4,260 MW of installed solar capacity
• 3,427 MW of installed wind capacity

Additionally, the railways have tied up 1,500 MW of renewable energy to power its operations.

Nationwide Collaboration for Renewable Energy

The minister urged all states to share renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power, with Indian Railways. The Madhya Pradesh model, where power is directly supplied from Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Limited (RUMSL), is seen as a benchmark for other states.

Boost in Rail Infrastructure for Madhya Pradesh

The Indian government has allocated a record ₹14,745 crore for railway development in Madhya Pradesh for FY26. Railway expansion in the state has significantly improved, with track laying increasing from 29 km per year before 2014 to 230 km per year today—a 7.5x growth.

Key Features of the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Limited (RUMSL)

• Total Capacity: 1,500 MW
• Location: Agar, Shajapur, Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh)
• Power Supplied to Railways: 195 MW
• Tariff: ₹2.15/kWh (Lowest in India)
• Project Completion Target: December 2025
• PPA Duration: 25 years

Railways’ Solar Installations Across India

Indian Railways is setting up solar projects at various locations, including:

• Rooftop solar at stations and buildings: 203 MW
• Bhilai: 50 MW
• Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS): 400 MW
• Bundelkhand Solar Park: 800 MW
• Other solar projects: 2,807 MW

Sustainable Future for Indian Railways

The shift to renewable energy will help Indian Railways reduce carbon emissions, lower oil imports, and cut logistics costs. With plans to meet 10,000 MW of traction power needs by 2030, the railways remain committed to a green and energy-efficient future.

Conclusion

With expanding renewable energy adoption and record rail infrastructure investment, Indian Railways is on track to achieving a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

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