Railways plans to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030

Tags: National National News

Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach for green environment and plans to reduce carbon footprint to become net zero carbon emitter by 2030.

Important facts

• Railways will endeavour to reduce its carbon footprint by meeting its energy requirements primarily from renewable energy sources.

• Other strategies for net zero emitters include a multi-pronged approach to electrification of rail routes, shifting from diesel to electric traction, promoting energy efficiency and building dedicated freight corridors.

• By 2029-30, the expected requirement for installation of renewable capacity will be around 30 GW.

• Indian Railways has installed 142 MW solar rooftop capacity and 103.4 MW wind power capacity by August, 2022.

• Railways has electrified 52,508 kms out of 65,141 kms of broad gauge network (80.61%).

Contribution of railways towards combating Climate Change

• Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach to green transport to increase the total share of Indian Railways in land based freight traffic from the present 36 per cent to 45 per cent by 2030.

• Indian Railways is setting up Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) across the country. Its first phase is estimated to reduce emissions by about 457 million tonnes over a period of 30 years.

• The traction diesel fuel will use 5 percent blending of biofuels.

• Water use efficiency will be improved by 20 percent by 2030.

• Plantation will be done to increase carbon absorption, there will be emphasis on waste management and pollution control.

The Minister of Railways - Ashwini Vaishnaw