New Delhi: The Indian Railways (IR) is proactively pursuing multi-pronged strategy to achieve the net zero carbon emission by 2030, said a senior officer.
The ministry of railways has taken up various measures to check carbon emission in accordance with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) it has signed with the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) on June 14.
As per the agreement, the Indian Railways and USAID would collaborate with each other to encourage use of renewable energy and strive for energy efficiency in railway operation. The MoU was signed by Naveen Gulati, member (traction and rolling stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways and Isabel Coleman, deputy administrator, USAID, in the presence of Anil Kumar Lahoti, chairman & CEO, Railway Board.
USAID is an agency of the US Government that supports international development and advances its mission objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade, clean energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, global health, democracy and conflict mitigation and management, and humanitarian assistance.
Also Read: ‘Renewable energy share goes up 27.5% in total power generation’
Through MoU, technical assistance and support would be provided to Indian Railways. As per the understanding, the two organisations would do long-term energy planning including clean energy for Indian Railways, develop an energy efficiency policy and action plan for IR buildings.
The USAID will also help the India Railways frame strategy to reduce its dependence on conventional energy and plan to encourage use of clean energy to achieve the net-zero vision. It will also provide technical support to the railways for addressing regulatory and implementation barriers. The US company will also help the Indian Railways design and manage support for system-friendly, large-scale renewable procurement.
Also Read: Indian railways prioritises coal transport to meet power plants’ needs
The USAID will also host events, conferences, and capacity-building programs in the mentioned identified areas including field visits and study tours (domestic/international) for technical experts of Indian railways.
The collaboration of Indian Railways with USAID, India will go a long way in helping Indian Railways to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.
