Railways To Become Net Zero Emission By 2030: PM Modi In Independence Day Speech

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi said India's efforts to tackle the global issue of climate change have "reassured and surprised" the world.

In a significant milestone in India’s environmental efforts, PM Modi stated that Indian Railways will achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. “We are moving towards a Net-Zero future,” PM Modi said, highlighting India’s progress in fulfilling its climate commitments. “We have fulfilled the Paris accord target well before time. India has done what the G20 group could not do.” The Prime Minister also emphasized India’s leadership in renewable energy, announcing plans to increase capacity to 500 GW.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, he said India’s efforts to tackle the global issue of climate change have “reassured and surprised” the world. “I want to tell the world about the strength of my country’s people. My country and its people have accomplished what other G20 nations have not.

“We have met the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. India is the only nation among the G20 countries to do so, and we are proud of it,” the prime minister said.

As part of its national climate plan, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030.

The prime minister expressed his confidence that India will meet this target. “This is important for humanity and will serve as a guarantee of a bright future for our children,” he said.

At present, the country has a power generation capacity of 446 gigawatts (GW), including around 195 GW from non-fossil energy sources.