Greentech Lead India: This year, Indian Railways bets big on green technologies. In his first rail budget, Union Railways Minister Pawan Bansal has announced a number of measures to ride Indian railways to a sustainable future.
Highlights of the green initiatives in this year’s Rail Budget:
- Railway Energy Management Company (REMC) will be established to harness the power of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
- Setting up 75 MW capacity windmill plants
- Energizing 1000 level crossing with solar power
- Ban the use of plastics in catering, promote the use of agro-based and recycled paper
- Setting up of energy efficient electric locomotives and EMUs
- Chair at Delhi to promote research in reducing carbon footprint
- Progressive extension of bio-toilets on trains
- Special drive to take up disposal of scrap lying in stores depots, workshops, along the tracks and at construction sites.
“Railways remain firmly committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development and use of energy efficient technologies,” said Minister Bansal while announcing the budget.
Government of India has also set a target of Rs one lakh crore to attract investments through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) route during the 12th Plan. Elevated Rail Corridor in Mumbai, parts of the DFC, redevelopment of stations, power generation/energy saving projects and freight terminals are areas proposed for private investment during the 12th Plan period.
Cooperation of state governments is also being sought to provide momentum to these initiatives.