Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged investors to explore the potential of nuclear power, assuring that Indian Railways is ready to purchase electricity from nuclear sources. Speaking virtually at the Global Investor Summit 2025 (GIS-2025) on Monday, Vaishnaw highlighted the growing energy demand of the railway sector and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to adopting renewable energy sources.
The Minister stated that Indian Railways would achieve 100% electrification in the next fiscal year and is focusing on accelerating use of renewable energy. He invited states to contribute to meeting the railway's energy needs through renewable and nuclear power projects.
“If a nuclear power plant can be set up in Madhya Pradesh, Indian Railways would be very interested in entering into an agreement to purchase electricity from it. Wind power is also a very interesting option for us,” Vaishnawsaid, emphasizing the railway's dedication to sustainable energy. The Minister also discussed the recent allocation of a record Rs 14,745 crore budget for railways, which he said reflects the Union government's commitment to infrastructure development.
He said that since 2014, approximately 2,500 kilometers of new railway track have been laid in Madhya Pradesh, marking significant progress. In his address, Vaishnaw shared several key ongoing and upcoming railway projects in the state, including the transformation of 80 stations into Amrut Railway stations, for which Rs 14,700 crore has been allocated.
Moreover, Rs 18,000 crore has been earmarked for the Manmad-Indore railway track, Rs 3,500 crore for the Bhusawal-Khandwa third line, and investments in the Prayagraj-Manikpur line. The total investment in railway infrastructure projects in Madhya Pradesh stands at a staggering Rs 1.4 lakh crore.
