Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world is all set to go green in the coming ten years. It has announced several initiatives to achieve its target, like maximising the use of renewable energy. If everything goes as planned, it will become the World’s First 100% Electric Railway network by 2030. Read on to know more.
Indian Railways To Go 100% Electric, With Zero Carbon Emissions
Piyush Goyal, the Railway Minister, held a meeting on August 27 regarding setting up solar projects along railway tracks. Major companies like Adani and Tata Power were a part of this, and have reportedly supported the plan. A tweet by the minister reads: “By 2030 we will be a net-zero emission railway, our carbon emission will be zero. Indian Railways transports nearly 8 billion passengers and 1.2 billion tonnes of freight every year. This will be the world’s first Railways of this scale to go green.”
By 2030 we will be a net-zero railway, our carbon emission will be Zero.
Indian Railways transports nearly 8 billion passengers and 1.2 billion tons of freight every year.
This will be the world's first Railways of this scale to go green: @PiyushGoyal
— Piyush Goyal Office (@PiyushGoyalOffc) August 26, 2020
Also Read: Indian Railways Sets Up First Plastic Crushing Machine Inside A Train
Bio-Toilets, Renewable Energy To Help Railways Go Green
The Railways is planning to achieve its target through a set of various initiatives. For instance, it will cut down its diesel consumption. The trains will now run on renewable energy sources. It will also increase the electrification of railway lines. According to a statement by the Indian Railways, getting green certification for installations/stations and placing bio-toilets in coaches are also a part of this plan. Meanwhile, regular trains are still suspended in the country.
Also Read: Kerala Has India’s First Solar Powered Ferry Saving 1 Lakh Litres Of Diesel
Railways To Become ‘Atmanirbhar’ With Indian Solar Equipment
To run such a vast railway network, the Indian government is opting for country-based eco-friendly sources of energy. It plans on utilising surplus lands to draw 20 GW of renewable energy, according to a statement by Goyal. All of this will be generated from ‘Made in India’ solar or wind equipment to run the railway network. In fact, this target set by the Indian Railways is in line with PM Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Speaking of trains, here are some luxurious trains in India that will make you feel Nawabi.