Indian Railways: Leading the Green Revolution Towards Net Zero Emissions
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways is a key player in India's journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2025, with a focus on electrification and shifting cargo from road to rail.
- The shift to rail transport has saved over 143 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, reduced logistics costs by Rs 3.2 lakh crore, and saved 2,857 crore litres of diesel.
- The adoption of green energy sources, like electrification and hydrogen-powered trains, is not only reducing carbon emissions but also boosting India's logistics performance and economy.
- With the implementation of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) and initiatives like the hydrogen-powered train, Indian Railways is demonstrating the compatibility of economic growth and ecological responsibility.
Indian Railways is playing a crucial role in India's sustainability efforts by leading a green revolution towards achieving net zero emissions. The railway system is instrumental in helping India move towards the Panchamrit goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming for net zero by 2070. With a multi-pronged approach that includes shifting traffic from road to rail and utilizing cleaner energy sources, Indian Railways has significantly contributed to decarbonizing the economy. The increase in cargo transportation by rail has saved over 143 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and reduced logistics costs by Rs 3.2 lakh crore over the past decade.
The transition to rail transport not only offers significant environmental benefits but also economic advantages, with rail transport costing nearly half of road transport. Furthermore, the railways release 90 per cent less carbon dioxide than trucks, leading to cleaner air and reduced fuel costs. The electrification of the railway network has been a strategic move to reduce oil imports, with 99 per cent of the broad-gauge network now being electrified.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Indian Railways is increasingly using green energy for operations and working towards acquiring more green energy for train operations. The introduction of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) has further alleviated congestion on roads, reduced diesel consumption, and carbon emissions significantly. Moreover, the integration of modern, zero-emission technology, such as hydrogen-powered trains, showcases India's embrace of innovative solutions for sustainable transport.
The article concludes by emphasizing that the synergy between economic growth and environmental responsibility is key, highlighting India's improved ranking in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index. With Prime Minister Modi setting 2030 as the target year for achieving net zero for Indian Railways, the accelerated electrification and cargo shifting initiatives have put Indian Railways on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2025. On World Environment Day, Indian Railways reiterates its dedication to sustainable development, viewing each step towards electrification and green energy adoption as a promise to both people and the planet.
Topics
Rail
Sustainability
Transportation
Green Energy
Electricity
Economic Growth
Logistics
Freight Transport
Modern Technology
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