2025 - 100 Years of Railway Electrification | Commemorative Coin

A color commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued to mark the 100 years of Electrification in Indian Railways. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on March 4, 2025. This will be the first colored coin ever issued in the history of Republic India coinage.

India’s railway system has been a backbone of the nation’s growth, connecting people and industries across vast distances. The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the history of Indian Railways as it completes 100 years of electrification. This journey, which began in 1925 with the first electrified railway section between Bombay Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Kurla, has transformed the rail network into a more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The introduction of electrified railways in India was a step towards modernization and efficiency. In the early years, steam locomotives were the primary mode of traction, consuming vast amounts of coal and contributing to pollution. The move towards electrification was aimed at reducing operational costs, increasing speed, and making rail transport more reliable. The first electric train in India ran on February 3, 1925, using a 1,500V DC system. Over the decades, the electrification process expanded gradually, adapting new and improved technologies such as the 25 kV AC system, which became the standard from the 1950s onward.

Railway electrification has played a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and economic growth. Electrified routes allow for faster and more efficient train services, reducing travel time and increasing the frequency of trains. The transition to electric locomotives also reduced dependency on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with India’s commitment to sustainable development. The efficiency of electric trains improved freight movement as well, boosting trade and industrial growth across regions.

Over the past century, Indian Railways has electrified thousands of kilometers of track, making it one of the largest electrified rail networks in the world. The government has consistently emphasized the need for 100% electrification to enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact. In recent years, the electrification drive has gained momentum, with ambitious targets set for complete electrification of broad gauge routes. This initiative not only aligns with global efforts toward sustainable transportation but also reduces the railways’ fuel expenses, making it more economically viable.

The celebration of 100 years of railway electrification is a tribute to the engineers, planners, and workers who have contributed to this transformation. This milestone reflects the continuous evolution of Indian Railways, from steam-powered locomotives to a modern, electrified network capable of supporting high-speed and energy-efficient trains. Looking ahead, the focus remains on expanding electrification to remote areas, integrating renewable energy sources, and adopting new technologies to make rail transport even more efficient and sustainable.

As India commemorates this historic achievement, the completion of a century of railway electrification serves as a reminder of how technological advancements and infrastructure development have shaped the nation’s progress. The journey from a single electrified section in Mumbai to an extensive, modern network highlights the resilience and vision of Indian Railways, reinforcing its role as a crucial driver of economic and social development.