In 1990s, the per unit cost of electricity was much higher comparatively than diesel which was much lower in rates. This was due to the fact that electricity production was much lesser than demand resulting in high rates while cars, trucks etc were very low resulting in less demand for crude oil and lesser rates.
Today situation is very reverse. Due to cut throat competition among companies and latest tech available, the per km rate of electrification has reduced to half in past ten fifteen years while the rate of crude oil is increasing day by day due to high growth of transports and related industries. In India rate of coal extraction is increasing and new methods like solar, wind etc are...
more... tried for cheaper and high level of production resulting in very low rates. At the same time better learning of electric transmission losses and proper management of traction stations, improved and high efficiency locos are saving much electricity.
Due to all above factors, all those sections having 60- 70℅ saturation are economical if they are electric traction. Rest section may be not economical instantly but when traffic will increase and when rates of electricity will further reduce after more use of solar and other renewable sources, than they will also become useful.
Anyways, kya koi IRI member hai jo IR pe believe nahi karta when it gave statement, "IR will save 14000 Crores Rs in 10 years by moving from diesel traction to electric traction and saving high costs on diesel"