Can Indian railways become 100 percent green in 10 years?

The solar approach

Ministry of Railways is aiming to set up solar power of 1000 Mega Watt (MW), which will let it utilize 10% of electrical energy from renewable sources. With 71.19 MW of solar plants already installed on the rooftops of various railways stations and service buildings, the railways is on track to complete its 1000 MW plan by 2020-21. The plan has kicked off with the setting up of  solar panels at Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi Railway Station and Anand Vihar Terminal. The country saw its first solar powered DEMU train in 2017, which was flagged off from Delhi's Safdarjung Station.

Indian Railways is the largest consumer of energy and water in the country which is why there is a huge need for it to look at alternative sources like wind and solar. Wind energy plants of 36.5 MW have been installed till now out of which, 26 MW at Jaisalmer was installed in 2015-2016.

LED lighting

Electrified railway stations and service buildings have been fitted with LED lights at stations. In fact, ministry of railways has been trying to promote the use of LED lights for many years now, which has resulted in installation of LED lighting in 99% of service buildings.

CNG as a substitute

CNG substitution to diesel engines has been one of the most important initiatives by the railways to go environment-friendly. The country's transporter has already substituted 23 diesel cars of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains with 20% Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The solar based DEMUs have been introduced by the ministry as well.

Tree cover

Trees are being planted to increase the green cover around railway stations. The railway tracks are being made  green since 2016, with plantation on both sides. Around 1.25 crore saplings were planted during 2016-17, which decreased to 88.96 lakh in the next year and saw a slight increase to 97.33 lakh till November 2018.

Water management

Indian railways has been moving towards better water management. The ministry is trying to maintain a regular water audit at major consumption centres. The policy for the same was introduced  in March 2017. With depletion of water levels in the country, railways is trying to increase the number of Water Recycling Plants and Rain Water Harvesting systems nationwide. Water recycling plants are being set up on railway land. Southern railways has commissioned water recycling plants in cities like Coimbatore.

The green certification

The certification program was started in 2016-17, certifying 2 workshops and 1 Production unit with 'GreenCo' certification. The main aim of the programme is to assess and rate the Indian Railways Production Units, workshops as Green Industrial Units. The commencement of the programme has led to the certification of 31 workshops, 2 Diesel Sheds, 4 Production Units, one store depot, 2 supervisors training centres, 8 railways stations, 2 railways schools and 1 railways hospital with 'GreenCo' certificate.

Improved hygiene

The railways has aimed at increasing the number of bio-toilets in passenger coaches, with addition in their numbers every year. The number, which included 127,000 bio-toilets allotted to 33,500 coaches in April 2016, was increased to 163,000 among 44,500 coaches till last year.

Electrification process

Indian railways is moving towards electric locomotives. Part of the work is under way. Around 33,658 Route Kilometers of electrification work is already in process.  Electrification of railway routes included 30,212 Route Kilometers till April 2018, out of which 5,733 RKM was done in 2016-17 and 2017-18.