Meghalaya to get its first ever electric train with the electrification of two key routes, the Ministry of Railways informed.

The Indian Railways in an attempt to go green and become net zero carbon emitter by 2030 is going for complete electrification.

This attempt has been achieved in the Northeastern state of India, Meghalaya by commissioning Dudhnai – Mendipathar (22.823 Track Kilometre) single line section and Abhayapuri – Pancharatna (34.59 Track Kilometre) double line section on 15th March, 2023, stated an official release.

"The Central Organization for Railway Electrification (CORE) has carried out the electrification works in these sections," it said.

Mendipathar is the only railway station in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya which has been in operation since the year 2014.

With the commissioning of electric traction, trains hauled by electric locomotive will now be able to operate directly from Mendipathar in Meghalaya which will increase the average speed.

Apart from that, more passenger & freight carrying trains will be able to operate through these sections with full sectional speeds which will also help in increasing punctuality in this section.

Parcel & freight carrying trains hauled by electric locomotives from other states will be able to reach Meghalaya directly.

The electrification is said to improve the mobility of trains in Northeast India.

And as mentioned above, it will also help in going on a greener road, as shifting from fossil fuel to electricity, will help in reducing pollution and the efficiency of the Railway system in the region will also improve.

This would further facilitate seamless traffic and also save time of the trains moving to and from northeastern states apart from savings in precious foreign exchange.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi expressed delight over this new endeavour and took to his Twitter and wrote “Wonderful news for Meghalaya and furthering connectivity in the Northeast.”