Indian Railways is replacing its fleet with electric vehicles | So Good News

In a major shift towards decarbonisation of the transport sector, Indian Railways has decided to replace its entire fleet of owned/hired/leased Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars with electric vehicles.

The railways launched its EV policy last week, saying it would create extensive charging infrastructure at major railway stations, office buildings, parking lots, etc. As part of the measures taken to promote e-mobility, the national carrier said it was ideal fit to play a key role in furthering the Government of India’s mission to promote electric vehicles.

This will be the largest migration from fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles in a government organization which will also come with sufficiently affordable and accessible charging infrastructure.

The railways, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, is implementing various programs such as 100% electrification of broad-gauge tracks, procurement of green renewable power, reduction in energy consumption, etc. In its EV policy published on October 7, it said it had intends to spread the use of electric cars across its network and support the development of charging infrastructure for electric cars.

In the first phase, the railways said that all ICE vehicles in the railway board, zonal offices, manufacturing units, workshops would be replaced with electric vehicles in the next three years.

Action plan

Following the roadmap, the railways will replace 20% of its fleet with electric cars by December 2023, 60% by December 2024 and achieve 100% by the end of 2025. However, replacement of inspection vehicles in branch offices and affiliated units will not be possible. mandatory in the initial phase of three years as the vehicles will be mandated by officials for frequent visits to remote areas where adequate charging infrastructure may not be available.

Charging stations

The railways will create affordable and accessible charging infrastructure for users, including passengers, visitors and the general public, over their premises. General Managers of Zonal Railways have been asked to advise their officers to identify and demarcate parking spaces in office complexes and station premises for installation of EV charging facilities.

Charging point operators (CPOs) will be invited to set up EV charging stations at these locations. The parking fee for use of the charging infrastructure shall apply in accordance with the parking fee adopted by the railway. CPOs will ensure access to all compliant EV owners and have a mobile application for EV users to find and order chargers and pay for services digitally. The chargers will be installed as per the safety guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority or any other competent body/Ministry of the Government of India.