(PICS/SHADAB KHAN)

The first electric-powered train in India operated between CSMT and Kurla on February 3, 1925. The 16-kilometre stretch of track used 1500 Volts (V) of Direct Current (DC).

India became the 24th country globally and the third in Asia to introduce electric railways. The South Indian Railway network also began electrification during the 1920s, with the Madras Beach (now Chennai) to Tambaram line completed by 1931.

By India’s independence in 1947, only 388 kilometres of rail tracks were electrified, primarily in Mumbai and Madras. The pace of electrification accelerated post-independence, with rapid expansions across the country.

The first electrified track in Eastern India was inaugurated in 1957, between Howrah and Sheoraphuli. By 1966, several suburban networks like Howrah, Sealdah, and Kharagpur were electrified to meet rising traffic demand.

Indian Railways has expanded its electrification network rapidly, especially in suburban regions. By 2025-26, Indian Railways aims for 100 percent electrification of its broad gauge network. The electrification drive is part of Indian Railways’ vision to become carbon-neutral by 2030. India now has the world’s most electrified rail network, with only a few heritage and mountain routes remaining non-electrified.

indian railways Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus mumbai local train mumbai news mumbai

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