New Delhi: Indian Railways plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and is also focused on increasing network capacity, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement on Friday.
“Indian Railways plans to gradually reduce its carbon footprint and become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030,” the ministry said.
It states that the country’s railway network is being electrified to reduce pollution and for environment-friendly transportation.
The ministry said that the railways will endeavor to reduce its carbon footprint through sourcing its energy requirements mainly from renewable energy sources. Other strategies include a multi-pronged approach to electrification of its routes, shifting from diesel to electric traction, promotion of energy efficiency, creation of dedicated freight corridors, green certification of railway installations, etc.
By 2029-30, the expected requirement for installation of renewable capacity will be around 30 GW. Indian Railways has installed 142 MW of solar rooftop capacity and 103.4 MW of wind power by August, 2022.
The ministry said that the Railways has electrified 52,508 route kilometers out of the total BG network of 65,141 route kilometers (80.61%).
With 100% electrification, electricity demand will increase from 21 BU in 2019-20 to around 72 BU by 2029-30.
It said that carbon emissions as per usual business (BAU) mode are estimated to be 60 million tonnes by 2029-30, which will be offset by various measures planned by the Indian Railways.
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