Indian Railways: Indian Railways proudly celebrates the centenary of electric traction, marking 100 years of technological evolution and operational excellence since the launch of India’s first electric train on 3rd February 1925. Over the past century, electrification has revolutionized railway operations, significantly enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and speed while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
On this momentous occasion, East Coast Railway (ECoR) General Manager Shri Parmeshwar Funkwal highlighted the crucial role of automation, maintenance, and diagnostics in modern railway operations. He emphasized the need for Indian Railways to adapt to rapid technological advancements and prepare for the next 25 years. Shri Funkwal also underlined the importance of improving asset maintenance and acknowledged Traction Distribution (TRD) as a role model within Indian Railways.
The celebration was attended by ECoR Additional General Manager, all Principal Heads of Departments of East Coast Railway, and senior officials, including the Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, who collectively recognized the remarkable journey of railway electrification in India.
The foundation of railway electrification in India was laid on 3rd February 1925, when the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) introduced the first electric train service between Bombay VT (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Kurla. This 16 Route Kilometer (RKM) section operated on a 1500V DC traction system and was inaugurated by the then-Governor of Bombay, Sir Leslie Wilson. With this milestone, India became the 24th country in the world to adopt electric traction.
The initial phase of railway electrification posed several technological challenges, including speed control and power transmission. However, continuous innovations led to the adoption of 3000V DC traction in the 1950s, with the Howrah-Burdwan section being the first to be electrified under this system in 1957. Recognizing the superior efficiency of 25 kV AC traction, Indian Railways standardized this system in 1957 based on recommendations from the Traction Advisory Committee.
Milestones in Railway Electrification
1. 1947: India had 388 RKM electrified on 1500V DC traction.
2. 1960: Raj Kharswan-Dongoaposi became the first 25 kV AC electrified section.
3. 1984: Kolkata Metro launched with a 750V DC third rail system.
4. 1995: 2×25 kV AT system introduced on Bina-Katni and Katni-Anuppur-Bishrampur sections.
5. 2006: Full conversion of Mumbai suburban DC traction to 25 kV AC.
6. 2024: Achieved 100% electrification of broad gauge routes, surpassing 65,000 RKM.
Electrification Achievements in East Coast Railway (ECoR)
Since its formation in 2003, East Coast Railway has been instrumental in India’s electrification drive. The first electrified section in ECoR was the Jagdalpur-Koraput segment of the K-K Line in 1983, which was then part of South Eastern Railway (SER). Over the years, electrification expanded across key corridors, culminating in 100% electrification by 2024.
Key Electrification Milestones in ECoR:
Kottavalasa-Koraput-Kirandul Line electrified in 1983, Koraput – Damanjodi in 1989, Duvada-Palasa in 2000, Palasa-Khurda Road in 2002, Barang-Talcher in 2004, Khurda Road-Puri in 2005, Khurda Road-Bhadrak in 2006, Cuttack-Paradeep in 2008, Vizianagaram-Singapur Road in 2016, Jharsuguda-Sambalpur in 2017, Singapur Road-Titlagarh in 2018, Singapur Road-Damanjodi, Sambalpur-Titilagarh-Lakholi and Sambalpur-Angul electrified in 2019.
The centenary of electric traction marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ journey toward modernization and sustainability. From the launch of a 16 km electric train service in 1925 to achieving 100% broad gauge electrification in 2024, the transformation has been extraordinary. With a vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, Indian Railways is set to redefine the future of railway transportation in India, making it faster, greener, and more efficient.
