Greenwashing the Indian Railways: A Hidden Cost

• RITES Ltd., the Indian Railways’ consultancy arm, has won contracts for the repurposing of six broad gauge diesel electric locomotives for export to African railways.

• The locomotives will be converted to use the Cape Gauge of 1,067 mm, a change from the 1,676 mm used on the broad gauge of the Indian Railways.

• This is the first time second-hand (used) locomotives are proposed to be exported after “gauge conversion.”

• As of March 31, 2023, there were 585 diesel locomotives stabled due to electrification, with over 60% having a residual life of more than 15 years.

• The government’s policy to electrify the entire broad gauge network of Indian Railways is questioned.

• 70% of total diesel oil consumption in India was by the transport sector, with railways accounting for only 3.24% of this.

• The article aims to convert the Indian Railways into a “green railway” but will render many serviceable diesel locomotives redundant.

• A 100% electrified “green” railway will continue to use about 3,500 “dirty diesels” in the foreseeable future, financially sustained by transporting King Coal.