Himachal Pradesh's Green Revolution: Transforming the Kalka-Shimla Railway with Green Hydrogen
Key Ideas
- Himachal Pradesh aims to become India's first 'green state' by converting the historic Kalka-Shimla UNESCO World Heritage train to operate on green hydrogen, aligning with the state's goal of becoming a certified Green Energy State by 2026.
- The state government is focusing on a six-pronged strategy to achieve this transformation, including replacing thermal power consumption with renewable sources, especially hydro, solar, and wind power.
- Efforts to promote sustainable energy include plans to establish a 2,000 MW solar power generation capacity, launching the 'Green Panchayat' scheme to install solar power plants at the Panchayat level, and making progress in the production of 'Green Hydrogen' with Oil India Limited.
- Additionally, the state is actively promoting electric vehicles by replacing 1,500 buses with electric buses from the State Transport Corporation's fleet, showcasing a comprehensive approach towards sustainable and eco-friendly development.
In a significant move, Himachal Pradesh is striving to position itself as India's first 'green state' by proposing the conversion of the historic Kalka-Shimla UNESCO World Heritage train to operate on green hydrogen. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Union Ministry of Railways to consider this transformation, in line with the state's vision to achieve Green Energy State certification by March 2026. The state government is actively pursuing a strategic transition towards renewable energy by replacing thermal power consumption with hydro, solar, and wind power, with a target of achieving 90% renewable energy consumption in the power distribution network. This shift is expected to boost the state's economy and contribute to India's climate commitments. Himachal Pradesh is also making strides in solar power generation, aiming to establish a 2,000 MW capacity in the next few years. Furthermore, initiatives like the 'Green Panchayat' scheme and the production of 'Green Hydrogen' in collaboration with Oil India Limited highlight the state's dedication to sustainable development. The government's plan to replace 1,500 buses with electric buses demonstrates a holistic approach towards promoting eco-friendly transportation, showcasing a comprehensive effort towards a greener future.
Topics
India
Renewable Energy
Electric Vehicles
Sustainable Development
Green Initiatives
Solar Energy
Railways
Hydro Power
UNESCO World Heritage
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