Why in News?
Southern Railway achieved 100% electrification of its entire 5,068 km Broad Gauge network on September 11, 2026.
Key Points
- Southern Railway completed electrification of its entire 5,068 route-km broad-gauge network.
- The final milestone was the 71-km Pattukkottai–Karaikkudi section.
- Full electrification removes diesel-to-electric traction changes and improves use of electric locomotives.
- It also reduces fossil-fuel dependence and supports more energy-efficient rail operations.
Exam Connect
- India’s first electric train → 1925 → Bombay Victoria Terminus to Kurla Harbour → 1,500-volt DC
- Southern Railway → electric traction introduced in Madras in 1931 → 25 kV AC electrification on Madras Beach–Tambaram in 1968