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Cabinet Approves ₹7,280 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme worth ₹7,280 crore to promote the manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets in India. This is the country’s first initiative aimed at establishing an annual production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes of integrated permanent magnets.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that rare earth permanent magnets are among the strongest available and are essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, electronics, aerospace, and defence systems. The scheme will support complete domestic production — from processing rare earth oxides into metals, converting metals into alloys, and finally manufacturing finished magnets.

Demand for these magnets in India is rising rapidly and is expected to double by 2030, largely due to growth in EVs, renewable energy, and electronics. Currently, India depends mainly on imports for its requirements.

This initiative will enable India to set up its first integrated rare earth magnet manufacturing ecosystem, strengthening self-reliance, boosting skilled employment, and supporting the national goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

The scheme will run for seven years, including a two-year setup period, and production capacity will be allocated to five selected beneficiaries through a global competitive process.

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    YearMilestoneDetails
    1925First electric trainRan between Bombay VT (now CSMT) and Kurla Harbour Line, using 1.5 kV DC
    1930s–40sExpansion in Western GhatsElectrification extended to Igatpuri and Pune to tackle steep gradients
    1950sShift to 25 kV AC systemAdopted globally accepted standard for efficiency and scalability
    1970s–80sRapid expansionMajor trunk routes electrified, reducing reliance on steam/diesel traction
    2000sPolicy pushGovernment emphasized electrification for energy security and reduced imports of diesel
    2014–2023Accelerated driveElectrification speed increased to ~6,000 km per year under national mission
    2023100% electrification of broad-gauge routesIndian Railways announced completion of electrification across all broad-gauge tracks
    2025100 years of electrificationIndia celebrated a century since the first electric train, marking itself as the largest electrified rail network globally

    🌍 Global Context

    • Indian Railways operates over 68,000 route km, of which 100% broad-gauge is electrified.
    • This makes it the largest electrified rail network in the world, ahead of countries like China and Russia in terms of route length electrified.
    • Electrification reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and supports India’s climate commitments.

    🔑 Key Facts

    • First electric locomotive: “Sir Leslie Wilson” introduced in 1925.
    • Technology shift: From 1.5 kV DC to 25 kV AC, aligning with global standards.
    • Environmental impact: Electrification expected to save billions of liters of diesel annually and reduce CO₂ emissions significantly.
    • Economic impact: Lower operating costs, faster trains, and improved reliability.