Why in news?
Indian Railways has launched a comprehensive decarbonisation initiative aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through massive electrification, renewable energy integration, and introduction of hydrogen-powered trains. 
 
Key Initiatives

• Nearly 45,000 km of track electrified in the past decade, striving to increase freight share via Dedicated Freight Corridors.
• Renewable integration with solar, wind, and hybrid capacities.
• Introduction of hydrogen-powered trains for non-electrified routes.
• Climate finance through green bonds and international loans aiding infrastructure and renewable capacity.

Significance

• Environmental: Potential to prevent 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, akin to removing 13 million cars.
• Economic: Anticipated savings of over ₹1 lakh crore in fuel costs by 2030.
• Strategic: Enhances energy independence by reducing fossil fuel imports.
• Social: Acts as a mass awareness platform on sustainable transport for 24 million daily passengers.

Challenges

• High green hydrogen production cost limiting scalability.
• Uncertain operational costs of hydrogen trains in India.
• Railway diesel usage is a small fraction (3%) of national diesel consumption, limiting impact on overall emissions.
• Dependence on renewable electricity source is critical to genuine decarbonisation from electrification efforts.

Overcoming Barriers

• Invest in R&D and public-private partnerships to reduce hydrogen costs.
• Deploy AI-powered energy optimization, aerodynamic coaches, and regenerative braking.
• Promote behavioural changes via green certification, carbon labelling, and public campaigns.
• Secure long-term power purchase agreements with renewable energy producers.
• Utilize green bonds, climate funds, and viability gap funding for financial support.

The Indian Railways decarbonisation drive represents a visionary yet practical model for state-led climate action, combining technology adoption, finance innovation, and public engagement to meet India’s net-zero goals.

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