Indian Railways to Leverage Nuclear Power for a Greener Future
In a significant step towards sustainability, Indian Railways has initiated discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the power ministry to establish small nuclear power plants. This strategic move aligns with its ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
The Indian Railways will provide land and ensure power offtake, while DAE and the ministry will facilitate the establishment of these plants with a secure fuel supply agreement.
Powering Trains with Clean Energy
The transport giant requires 10 GW of energy to meet its traction needs by the end of this decade. To fulfill this demand, the railways plans to procure:
- 3 GW of renewable energy (including hydropower)
- 3 GW of thermal and nuclear power
- 4 GW from distribution companies via strategic partnerships
Nuclear power is viewed as a reliable, clean energy source to accelerate the transition towards greener rail operations.
Funding Support for Nuclear Expansion
Public sector financing arms under Indian Railways will play a crucial role in funding the nuclear projects. The Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) is expected to spearhead the financing initiatives to support this ambitious shift.
Past Attempts and Renewed Efforts
While exploratory discussions for nuclear plants were initiated in 2016, they were shelved due to high costs. However, the government’s renewed focus on nuclear energy, highlighted by the Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the 2025 budget, has reignited efforts to operationalize small modular reactors (SMRs).
The government aims to operationalize at least five SMRs by 2033, facilitating a faster green transition for large consumers like Indian Railways.
Government Support and Future Plans
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the approach to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the power ministry for nuclear power allocation. He emphasized the consistent rise in the railways’ power needs and reiterated the importance of exploring nuclear energy to meet a portion of the traction power requirements.
With nuclear energy in the mix, Indian Railways is set to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for its expansive operations.
