According to the press release of Indian railways, they have been aiming at attaining “a net-zero carbon emission” by the year 2030 along with that they are striving to be the world’s largest Green Railway network in the coming years. Indian railways are following a holistic vision towards achieving eco-friendly, sustainable development goals. To an extent, they have taken a lot of preventive measures and made progress in massive electrification, water and paper conservation and bio-toilets to name a few actions are taken and measures to save animals on the railway tracks.
In July 2016, an MOU was signed between Indian Railways and the Confederation of Indian Industry for the facilitation of green initiatives. This memorandum includes ‘green co.’ certification which is divided into 3 categories that incorporate 2 Platinum, 15 gold and 18 silver ratings. These green certificates encompass several parameters related to the environment and measures to conserve them.
Measures for the sustenance of the environment are – Energy conservation, use of renewable energy greenhouse gas, emission reduction, water conservation, waste management, recycling to name a few. To measure up with these objectives, Indian Railways has planned to electrify balance through Broad Gange (BG) routes by December 2023. To achieve 100% electrification of BG gauge installations of head-on generation systems, bio-toilets and LED lights etc. pass to cater for the comfort and needs of the passengers and helping us to protect and save the environment.
How does the Enforcement and Implementation of Environment Management System work –
A long-term low carbon emission plan has been laid out, which will enable it to maintain and increase more efficient energy usage along with carbon-friendly technological practices.
- Indian Railways is implementing two dedicated freight corridor projects viz. Eastern Corridor (EDFC) from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1875km) and western corridor (WDFC) from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (1506km). Whereas the Sonnagar- Dankuni (583km) portion of EDFC has been planned for execution on the Public-Private Partnership model.
- 19 railway stations have achieved green certification including 3 platinum, 6 gold, 6 silver rating.
- 27 railway buildings, offices, campuses and other establishments are also green certified including 15platinum, 9 gold and 2 silver ratings.
- Over 900 railway stations have been certified for implementation of the environmental management system to ISO: 14001 in the last two years and 718 stations have been identified for ISO: 14001 certifications as per Indian railways data.
According to the report published by Indian Railways and subsidiary units, “the railways are supporting government’s commitment to attaining Sustainable Developmental Goals as declared by UN” they are working towards procuring the measures to achieve planned and sustainable environmental growth along with other factors such as taking care of climate change by following the Paris agreement.
Indian railways have subsumed into climate change features to follow risk management protocols. A wide range of engineers, operators and different unit and zone heads have been working on this action plan irrespective of the challenges they had to face regularly. The entire process requires significant efforts and proper management by both the government and the stakeholders.
Written By – Jeet Sandhu