Indian Railways hits the headlines for all the right reasons. They are aiming to become the world’s first 100 per cent green railways. The news was confirmed by the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, who spoke about the government’s master plan to make the national transporter environment-friendly. He reportedly added the Indian Railways is planning to widen the use of solar energy.
According to Piyush Goyal, the Railway is planning to set up solar panels on unused railway lands. He reportedly said, “This will serve a dual purpose. Firstly, the land will be saved from encroachment, and the energy generated will be fed into the power grid.”
The Railway Minister also said that the implementation of the massive project will take time because it is not any “normal program”
Previously this year, Railway Ministry announced its plans to invest a whopping Rs 18,000 crore on solar power units along tracks. Piyush Goyal believes that 10 years from now, Indian Railways might become the world’s first 100% ‘Green Railways’.
Goyal further added that the Indian Railways was planning on electrification of tracks and using biodiesel to give grounds for the ‘Green Railways’ project.
Coming to electrification plans, Railway minister said that 100 per cent electrification of tracks will be ideally achieved by the year 2022. According to records, in 2017-18, Indian Railways electrified more than 4,000 km of train tracks and in 2018-19, the distance went above 5200 km.
Goyal also opened up that Indian Railways is planning to have every train come through electric traction that comes to the national capital, which might happen soon.
In the latest development, Indian Railways installed new washing plant at Bengaluru Railway Station. It should be noted that it is the state’s first Automatic Railway Coach Washing Plant which comes with essential features. This plant can reduce water, cost, time and manpower.
“Take a look at Karnataka’s first Automatic Railway Coach Washing Plant installed at Bengaluru City Railway Station. Reducing water, cost, time & manpower required, the plant paves the way for clean coaches for passengers in an efficient & eco-friendly manner,” Piyush Goyal tweeted.