Indian Railways' Sustainable Journey Towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions through various initiatives like electrification, modal shifting, and harnessing hydrogen gas for train sets.
- 98% of the Indian Railways' Broad Gauge network has been electrified, contributing to reduced diesel consumption and carbon emissions.
- Renewable energy projects including solar, wind, and hybrid sources have been commissioned to support the transition to sustainable energy sources.
- Challenges such as forest clearances, statutory approvals, and climatic conditions impact the completion of electrification projects.
Indian Railways has set a goal to become a net zero carbon emitter by offsetting carbon emissions with non-fossil fuel sources, reducing diesel consumption through electrification of railway tracks, and encouraging modal shifting of cargo and passengers from road to rail. Efforts include harnessing hydrogen gas to power train sets. The completion of electrification projects is influenced by factors such as forest clearances, statutory approvals, and climatic conditions. The majority of the Indian Railways' Broad Gauge network has been electrified, significantly reducing carbon emissions. To increase the share of renewable energy, a mix of solar, wind, and other sources is being utilized, with a focus on strategic power procurement. Various renewable power projects have been undertaken through Power Purchase Agreements. As of February 2025, Indian Railways has commissioned 553 MW of solar power, 103 MW of wind power, and 100 MW of Round The Clock (RTC) hybrid power. The Union Minister of Railways highlighted these initiatives in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the government's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Topics
India
Renewable Energy
Sustainability
Electrification
Railway Infrastructure
Carbon Offsetting
Modal Shift
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