Railways will achieve 100% electrification in FY26: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged investors to tap into the potential of nuclear power, assuring that Indian Railways is prepared to purchase electricity from nuclear sources. In a virtual address at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investor Summit 2025 (GIS-2025) on Monday, Vaishnaw highlighted the growing energy demands of the railway sector and encouraged states to contribute through renewable and nuclear projects. “If a nuclear power plant can be set up in Madhya Pradesh, Indian Railways would be very happy to enter into an agreement to purchase electricity from it. Wind power is also very interesting to us,” Vaishnaw said, emphasizing the railway’s commitment to sustainable energy. He further urged all states to support the railway’s electricity needs through renewable sources, including wind, hydro, and nuclear power.
Vaishnaw praised Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for swiftly addressing key issues, enabling faster railway development in the state. His remarks come as GIS-2025 draws participation from top industrialists, diplomatic representatives, and international trade organizations, positioning Madhya Pradesh as a major investment hub. As of date, over 97 per cent electrification of Railways has been achieved and by FY 2025-26, it will achieve 100 per cent electrification, he added.

The minister also lauded the recently announced railway budget, calling it “historic” in scale and ambition. “This time, the railway has been given a record budget of Rs14,745 crore,” he added, underscoring the Union government’s prioritization of infrastructure development. He contrasted the slow pace of railway projects before 2014 with the current acceleration, stating that track expansion has surged from just 29 kilometers per year before 2014 to 223 kilometers annually under the present administration.