Indian Railways has planted a notable 81.59 lakh trees during the 2025-26 financial year, underlining its commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability. This initiative, implemented across various zones of the organisation, aims to increase green cover along railway tracks, in station areas, and on available land surrounding railway infrastructure. The tree planting effort not only seeks to improve local air quality but also plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity.

The new plantations operate as natural carbon sinks, which help minimise dust and noise pollution. Additionally, the presence of trees near tracks serves to reinforce soil stability, reducing the risk of erosion and landslides. This contributes to the overall safety and resilience of railway operations, ultimately promoting a more secure environment for both passengers and railway personnel.

Focus on Water Conservation

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by water scarcity, Indian Railways has strategically prioritised water conservation. Their approach encompasses the harvesting of rainwater, recycling of wastewater, and restoration of water bodies. Since the 2016-17 period, a total of 8,313 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been installed throughout the nation to capture and store rainwater for use in station maintenance, gardening, and sanitation.

This initiative is particularly advantageous in regions grappling with water shortages, thereby reducing reliance on external water supplies. Furthermore, the organisation has implemented 185 water recycling plants across its various zones, which process wastewater generated from coach maintenance activities for reuse in cleaning and gardening, among other applications.

To further enhance local water availability, Indian Railways has restored 109 ponds, tanks, and wetlands located within or adjacent to railway land. These revitalised water bodies play a significant role in replenishing groundwater levels and bolstering local ecosystems while providing additional benefits to the surrounding communities during both floods and droughts.

Progress in Electrification and Renewable Energy

One of the significant achievements of Indian Railways has been the extensive electrification of its network, with 99.6 per cent of the Broad Gauge lines electrified as of March 2026, covering nearly 69,873 route kilometres. This transition has led to a considerable decrease in diesel consumption, resulting in a reduction of approximately 178 crore litres of diesel during the 2024-25 financial year compared to the 2016-17 levels, ultimately contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, Indian Railways has successfully integrated renewable energy into its operations. As of December 2025, it has commissioned around 909 MW of solar energy and 103 MW of wind energy. Moreover, a further 3,300 MW of renewable energy capacity is under development through various solar, wind, and hybrid projects. This movement towards clean energy signifies a commitment to sustainability and energy independence.

In terms of sanitation improvements, over 3.66 lakh bio-toilets have been installed in passenger coaches since 2014, utilising microbial technology to treat human waste, which enhances hygiene and decreases the environmental impact of waste disposal on railway tracks. The organisation also completed a transition to 100 per cent LED lighting across its facilities, greatly improving energy efficiency and reducing overall electricity consumption.

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