Indian Railways Eyes Net Zero Carbon Emissions By 2030

According to the recently released statement by the Ministry of Railways, the Indian Railways intends to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, while also concentrating on expanding network capacity.

According to the Ministry, Indian Railways has a goal to steadily reduce its carbon impact and achieve net zero emissions by 2030. As per the report, the nation’s railway system is being electrified to cut pollution and sustainably conduct transportation.

The government has revealed that the Railways would make an effort to lessen their carbon footprint by getting their energy needs from renewable energy sources. Other tactics include adopting a multi-pronged strategy to electrify its lines, switch from diesel to electric traction, promote energy efficiency, build specific freight corridors, green-certify railroad facilities, etc.

A 30 GW installation of renewable capacity is anticipated to be needed by 2029–2030. Up till August 2022, Indian Railways had installed 142 MW of rooftop solar capacity and 103.4 MW of wind energy, it was stated.

According to the government, 52,508 RKM of the 65,141 RKM total BG network have been electrified by the railways.

With complete electrification, the demand for electricity will rise from 21 BUs in 2019–20 to approximately 72 BUs in 2029–30.

As per Indian Railways, the Business As Usual (BAU) mode is expected to result in a 60 million tonne reduction in carbon emissions by 2029–2030.

Indian Railways is a significant contributor to India’s NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) in the fight against climate change and has set the following goals:

• To increase the railroads’ current 36% share of all land-based freight transport to 45% by the year 2030.
• Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are being established by Indian Railways all over the nation. Over 30 years, it is predicted that just the project’s first phase will reduce emissions by 457 million tonnes of CO2.
• Boost the proportion of renewable energy sources in the energy mix.
• Railways should continue to increase their energy efficiency for both diesel and electric traction to help the nation reduce its GHG emissions.
• The railroad industry will implement the PAT Scheme.
• 5% of biofuels are added to traction diesel fuel.
• Up to 2030, increase water consumption efficiency by 20%.
• Planting trees will boost the carbon sink.
• Pollution prevention and waste management.
• adopting best practices for managing resources and infrastructure to promote environmental sustainability in IR expansion in green buildings, industrial units, and other institutions.
• involvement with the “Swachh Bharat Mission”.
• IR has set a goal to electrify all railway tracks by the year 2030 to achieve “Net Zero” status as an organization.

Indian Railways has taken steps to organize its environmental management programs. A few of these initiatives are Energy Efficiency Management, Renewable and Alternative Sources of Energy, Water Conservation, Afforestation, Water Management, and Green Certifications.