Having completed over 97 per cent, the Southern Railway is marching ahead in achieving 100% Electrification of rail sections.Railway electrification in Southern Railway dates back to 1931, beginning with the Chennai suburban section. In recent years, several important routes across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and Karnataka have been commissioned, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Southern Railway in a release here said it has recorded significant progress in railway electrification, achieving over 97% electrification of its total network as on December 15.
Southern Railway has completed Electrification of 97.63% of its network, i.e. 4,995 kms out of 5,116 kms. Southern Railway is poised to become almost fully electrified, reinforcing Indian Railways’ commitment towards sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly rail transportation.
Only 53 RKM of the network are technically not feasible for electrification, which includes the Mettupalayam–Udagamandalam hill section (UNESCO-listed Heritage Mountain Railway) and a short stretch between Ernakulam and Kochi Harbour Terminus near the Naval Air Base. Excluding these sections, the total electrifiable network of Southern Railway stands at 5,075 RKM, of which only 132 RKM remain to be electrified.
The balance electrification works of Tiruturaipundi–Pattukkottai- Karaikkudi (120 RKM), Chinna Salem–Porpadakurichi (12 RKM) are scheduled for completion by 2026-27.
Among the six Divisions of Southern Railway Chennai, Madurai, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram divisions have achieved 100% electrification. Salem and Tiruchchirappalli divisions have achieved 98% and 88% respectively.