Energy Conservation through Railway Electrification : Railway transport is far more energy efficient as compared to road transport. Railways are; a) Six times more energy efficient as compared to road, b) Four times more economical in land use, c) Six times more cost effective vis-a-vis road in construction costs for comparable levels of traffic. Among the modes of rail transport, electric traction is the most energy efficient. This can be seen in the light of the fact that every 100 route kilometers electrified section result in saving of annual consumption of more than four million liters of diesel oil, which saves Rs. 2500 Crores worth foreign exchange annually.

Role of Electric Traction in Suburban Transport : Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) are ideal for suburban Services with high acceleration and braking features required for frequent starts and stops. EMU services form the backbone of suburban transportation in the metropolitan cities of Mumbai , Kolkata & Chennai . In Bombay Area alone about 1950 EMU trains are running daily on the suburban section of Central and Western Railways which cater for about 5 million passengers every day.

Haulage of Heavier Freight Trains and Longer Passenger Trains under Electric Traction : Electrification is making possible running of heavier freight trains. Recently, with the import of 18 nos. of 6000 HP. Thyristor locomotives, a consists of two of these locomotives presently handle 4500 ton trains in gradients up to 1 in 60 as against 3 numbers of 4000 HP locomotives. In not too distant a future running of 9000 tonne trains would be possible. This has already been tested successfully in Ghaziabad - Mughal Sarai Section.

With the introduction of electrification of 21 passenger coaches are hauled by a single loco in most of the sections. A single electric loco is now hauling Prayagraj Express with 24 coaches between New Delhi and Allahabad. Introduction of Shatabdi Express services operating at 130 KMph under electric traction purely through indigenous efforts of Indian Railways.

Benefits of clearer environment : One of the major advantages of electric traction is pollution free atmosphere not only to the travelers but also to the surrounding environment. The electric traction is proven to be less pollutant than the existing diesel mode and thus could be more eco-friendly to an area having delicate flora and fauna. The electric traction could reduce noise and air pollution and result in lesser disturbance to wild life habitant of the region.