Central Railway has made notable strides in its renewable energy initiatives, reporting a significant reduction in costs and carbon emissions. The railway’s efforts have led to a total savings of Rs 4.62 crore and a substantial decrease in carbon footprint by 6,594 tonnes. These advancements are part of Central Railway’s broader commitment to sustainability and green energy.
Renewable energy usage within Central Railway has reached impressive levels, with 9.9% of energy consumption for traction (railway train operations) and 6.5% for non-traction purposes (all other operational needs). The railway’s focus on solar energy is a key driver behind these achievements. Solar panels have been installed across 205 locations spanning all five divisions of Central Railway, including 47 in Mumbai, 58 in Nagpur, 50 in Pune, 32 in Bhusaval, and 18 in Solapur. During the fiscal year 2023-24, these solar panels generated 8.04 million units (MU) of power, directly contributing to a reduction of 6,594.81 tonnes in carbon emissions.
The breakdown of this energy generation includes 5.56 MU in Mumbai Division (saving 4,557.17 tonnes of carbon), 1.35 MU in Bhusaval Division (1,108.76 tonnes), 0.96 MU in Pune Division (784.44 tonnes), 0.09 MU in Nagpur Division (76.80 tonnes), and 0.08 MU in Solapur Division (67.61 tonnes). Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer highlighted the organisation’s dedication to adopting green technologies. “Central Railway has consistently championed the use of renewable energy sources. Our significant contributions towards reducing carbon emissions not only align with our internal sustainability goals but also support Indian Railways’ mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The successful deployment of solar power across our divisions sets a precedent for other railway networks and reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship.” The railway’s initiatives reflect a strategic alignment with broader environmental goals and underline its role in advancing the adoption of renewable energy within India’s infrastructure sector.
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