Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said he has been informed by the Railway Board that no diesel locomotives will be allowed in the Delhi area after March 2019. Speaking at the Institute of Railway Electrical Engineers in New Delhi, Mr Goyal emphasised the need for transformation and change in the work culture of the Railways. He said that the Member Traction, Railway Board, has said that by March, 2019, no diesel loco hauled train would be permitted in Delhi area and the Railways will be completely LED lit in the next eight months.
The Minister also said that as of January 31 this year, 279 electric locomotives have been built.The Railway Ministry has set a target of 2022 to switch to electric locomotives completely by phasing out their diesel counterparts with a focus on increasing speed.