New Delhi: Indian Railways today (March 13) said it has completed the electrification of  347 route kilometer broad gauge network of Uttarakhand. 

This will result in 2.5 times lower-line haul cost, increased sectional capacity,  heavier haulage capacity, reduced operating & maintenance cost of electric loco. This will result in less reliance on imported crude oil, more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient modes of transportation, as well as future currency savings.

“Indian Railway is working in a mission mode to become the biggest green railroad in the world and is working to achieve "net zero carbon emission" status by the year 2030. Indian Railways has completed the electrification of Uttar Pradesh, marking another significant milestone. Uttarakhand has been fully electrified, Indian Railways said.

Northern and North Eastern Railways are in charge of Uttarakhand. Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, Rishikesh, Kathgodam, and Tanakpur are a few of the key rail hubs in Uttarakhand.

Some of these stations are significant from a religious perspective, while others are popular with tourists. Some places to mention include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Hemkund Sahib, Mussoorie, Nainital, Jim Corbett, and Haridwar.

With over 7 lakh passengers passing through each year, Kathgodam Station is a significant station that serves as the gateway to Uttarakhand's Kumaon area. The statement states that the first train to arrive at this station did so on April 24, 1884.

Nanda Devi Express, Haridwar Express, Mussoorie Express, Utkal Express, Kumaon Express, Doon Express, and Shatabdi Express are a few of the state of Uttarakhand's illustrious trains. These trains offer convenient access to different areas of the state and other significant Indian cities, considerably assisting the state's tourism industry.

A new line project from Rishikesh to Karnprayag is also being built, and it will be another significant accomplishment for Indian Railways to include the Char Dham pilgrimage route in its network. In accordance with Railways' aim of having a network that is 100% electrified, this route has been approved along with electrification.

"Although reaching 100% electrification is a significant milestone, it may be helpful to consider alternatives such as solar-powered train stations and panel-based solar energy solutions along certain track segments, among others. This would minimise energy expenses in addition to reducing carbon impact, according to Arindam Guha, Partner and Head, Government & Public Services, Deloitte India.

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