Go green: Waltair railway division saves Rs 793 Cr fuel bill, reduces 42,494 tonnes carbon emission

Visakhapatnam: With a focus on reducing the net carbon emission to zero before 2030, Waltair railway division is adopting a holistic vision of being an environment-friendly, efficient, cost-effective, punctual passenger and freight services

Planning electrification of its entire network, which is an environment-friendly and pollution reduction measure, the task was completed by 2021-22.

Further, Head-On-Generation systems, Bio-Toilets, and LED lights were incorporated which recreate the train itself into a travel mode that’s kinder to the environment and enhances passenger comfort.

Divisional Railway Manager Anup Satpathy said the Division has achieved 100% electrification in its entire jurisdiction by 2020-21 with its abstract Route Km (Broad Guage) of 1106.444 km and the Track Km (Broad Guage) of 2438.426 km electrified.

By achieving 100% electrification in this division, the eco-friendly mode of railway transportation has been ensured, thus reducing dependence on imported crude oil which in turn has resulted in saving of precious foreign exchange for the Nation. Besides, haulage & sectional capacity has also been enhanced by eliminating detention due to traction changes.

Due to 100% electrification, a reduction of the annual fuel bill of about Rs. 793 Cr. has been saved along with a reduction in carbon emission of about 42,494 tonnes annually. Further due to HOG, HSD fuel worth Rs 35.49 crore per annum is saved. It results in the reduction of carbon emissions by 11,000 metric tons per annum.

"The advantage of electrification is Railways will become an environmental-friendly mode of transport which reduces dependence on imported fossil fuel, thereby saving precious foreign currency and at the same time reducing carbon emission. It will reduce operating cost and haulage of heavier freight trains and longer passenger trains with high haulage capacity Electric Locomotives would increase throughput", said the DRM.

Alternative energy sources:

The division is also focussing on alternative energy resources for environment-friendly modes. Due to the commissioning of Solar power plants at various stations and services buildings, saving towards energy charges in 2022-23 (up to Jan) Rs. 62,22,887.

Green Certification

Several Green initiatives have been taken by the division that are credited with ‘Green Co’ certificates for Diesel Loco Shed and Electric Loco Shed with Silver ratings and also ISO 14001:2015 certificates. Green certification mainly covers the assessment of parameters directly bearing on the environment, such as energy conservation measures, use of renewable energy, Green House Gas emission reduction, water conservation, waste management, material conservation, and recycling.

Visakhapatnam Railway Station has also achieved Green Certification with a Platinum rating. Seven stations over the Division got consent to operate certification by Pollution Control Boards, ISO 14001:2015 certificates.