Font size:
Print
Greenwashing the Indian Railways
Context:
A recent report highlights that RITES Ltd., the consultancy arm of the Indian Railways, has secured contracts to repurpose six broad-gauge diesel-electric locomotives for export to African railways.
More on News
- These locomotives will be converted for Cape Gauge (1,067 mm) use from their original broad gauge (1,676 mm).
- While India has previously exported locomotives to Asia and Africa, this marks the first time used locomotives are being exported after “gauge conversion.”
- This technical feat showcases commendable re-engineering but also reveals a deeper issue—systemic wastage of valuable assets due to questionable policy decisions.
Redundant Diesel Locomotives and Their Cost
- Idle Locomoties: The Indian Railways has rapidly shifted toward electrification, leaving hundreds of diesel locomotives idle.
- As of March 31, 2023, data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that 585 diesel locomotives were stored across the network.
- More than 60% of these had a residual service life of over 15 years. This number has since grown to 760 locomotives.
- Aggressive Policy: This redundancy stems from the government’s aggressive electrification policy, aiming for 100% coverage of the broad-gauge network.
- Efficiency: While electrification aligns with broader environmental goals, its rapid implementation raises concerns about financial and operational efficiency, especially given the substantial service life remaining in many diesel engines.
Examining Policy Justifications
Electrification has been justified on two main grounds: reducing diesel imports to save foreign exchange and promoting environmental sustainability. However, both claims deserve closer scrutiny.
- Foreign Exchange Savings: Diesel consumption by the Indian Railways represents a minor share of national fuel usage.
- According to a 2014 study by AC Nielsen, when electrification was advancing at a moderate pace, railway traction accounted for only 3.24% of the country’s diesel consumption. By 2021-22, this share dropped to about 2%.
- Eliminating this small segment does little to address the larger issue of diesel dependency, particularly compared to sectors like trucking or agriculture.
- Environmental Impact: The environmental benefits of electrification are less straightforward.
- Nearly half of India’s electricity is generated from coal-fired plants, making coal one of the dirtiest fuels globally.
- Indian Railways itself plays a key role in transporting coal, with freight earnings from coal transport comprising 40% of its total freight revenue in 2023-24.
- Replacing diesel locomotives with electric ones merely shifts pollution from railway tracks to concentrated emissions at coal-fired power plants.
- Until renewable energy constitutes a significant portion of India’s electricity generation—far beyond current levels—claims of a “green railway” remain aspirational.
The Real Costs of Electrification
- The aggressive push for 100% electrification has not only sidelined serviceable assets but also risks financial and environmental inefficiency.
- If all currently idle locomotives were lined up, they would stretch over 16 kilometers. Many of these are destined for the scrapyard, despite having significant residual utility.
- Adding to the paradox, Indian Railways plans to retain 2,500 diesel locomotives for “disaster management and strategic purposes” and keep another 1,000 operational to meet traffic commitments.
- This undermines the narrative of achieving a fully electrified, green railway while retaining substantial reliance on diesel engines and coal transport.
