Indian Railways has planted 81 lakh 59 thousand trees across all its zones during the year 2025-26, as part of a coordinated nationwide effort aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability and improving ecological balance across its vast network.
The large-scale plantation drive has been carried out along railway tracks, station premises and other available railway land, contributing to a significant increase in green cover across diverse regions.
The initiative is designed to reduce carbon footprint, support biodiversity and improve overall environmental conditions, making rail travel greener and healthier for passengers.
Zone-wise contributions show a strong participation across the network, with Northeast Frontier Railway leading the effort by planting 9.3 lakh trees, followed by South Central Railway with 9 lakh trees, Northeast Railway with 8.7 lakh trees and Northern Railway with 8.5 lakh trees.
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Beyond environmental gains, the plantation drive is also contributing to climate resilience by acting as a natural carbon sink, while helping mitigate noise and dust levels along railway corridors.
The increased vegetation cover is also improving microclimatic conditions at stations and along routes, enhancing passenger comfort.
The initiative carries important infrastructure benefits as well. Plantation along railway tracks helps bind soil through root systems, reducing erosion and lowering the risk of landslides, particularly in hilly and high-rainfall areas.
Vegetation also regulates surface runoff and improves water absorption, thereby minimising risks of track destabilisation and supporting safer railway operations.
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