Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, has set an ambitious target of becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. This means that the railways will balance its greenhouse gas emissions with an equivalent amount of removals or offsets. This will make Indian Railways one of the first major railways in the world to achieve this feat.
How will Indian Railways achieve this target?
Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach for a green environment, which includes various initiatives such as:
- Electrification of all railway tracks: Indian Railways plans to complete electrification of its entire network by 2024, which will reduce its dependence on diesel and save about 2.83 billion litres of fuel per year. Electrification will also improve operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
- Procurement of power from renewable sources: Indian Railways aims to meet its energy requirements from renewable sources such as solar and wind. As of February 2023, Indian Railways has installed about 147 MW of solar plants (both on rooftops and on land) and about 103 MW of wind power plants. It has also tied up with another 2150 MW of renewable capacity for its future needs.
- Promotion of energy efficiency: Indian Railways has taken several measures to improve its energy efficiency, such as switching over to production of three phase electric locomotives with regenerative features, using head on generation (HOG) technology, using LED lights in buildings and coaches, star rated appliances and afforestation.
- Construction of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs): Indian Railways is setting up DFCs across the country to enhance its share in freight transport from the current 36% to 45% by 2030. DFCs will enable faster and safer movement of goods trains with higher axle loads and longer trains. The first phase of DFCs alone is estimated to reduce emissions by about 457 million ton CO2 over a 30 year period.
- Green certification of railway establishments: Indian Railways has taken steps to adopt good practices on green buildings, industrial units and other establishments for the management of resources and infrastructure. It has also implemented waste management and pollution control measures. As per Ministry data till August’22 , IR has achieved Green Certification for total number stations – 1001; workshops – 34; Production Units –7; Offices –11; Hospitals -14; Training Institutes -10 & others -5 .
What are the benefits of net zero carbon emission?
Achieving net zero carbon emission will have multiple benefits for Indian Railways as well as for the country and the planet. Some of these benefits are:
- Reduced fuel expenditure: By shifting from diesel to electric traction and procuring power from renewable sources, Indian Railways will save on fuel expenditure which can be utilized for other developmental works.
- Enhanced operational efficiency: By electrifying its network and constructing DFCs, Indian Railways will improve its operational efficiency by reducing transit time, increasing average speed, enhancing safety and reliability.
- Improved environmental quality: By reducing its carbon footprint, Indian Railways will contribute to India's NDCs under Paris Agreement as well as global efforts to combat climate change. It will also improve air quality and public health by reducing emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide.
- Increased social responsibility: By becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030, Indian Railways will demonstrate its commitment towards sustainable development and social responsibility. It will also inspire other sectors and stakeholders to follow suit.
Indian Railways is working on a mission mode to become the largest green railway in the world by becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. This is a commendable initiative that will have positive impacts on economy, environment and society. However, achieving this target will require concerted efforts from all levels of administration as well as cooperation from other ministries, states, private sector and civil society.