In a concerted effort to drive energy efficiency, Central Railway has been observing Energy Conservation Week from December 8 to December 14, 2024. The initiative spans across the Headquarters, all Divisions, and Workshops, with an aim to raise awareness about energy-saving practices and the role of sustainability in day-to-day life.
On December 12, 2024, a function held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) saw the release of a pamphlet by Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager of Central Railway, outlining the various energy conservation initiatives already implemented across the zone. The pamphlet also included practical advice on energy-saving habits, such as switching off lights, fans, and air-conditioners when not in use. In addition to the pamphlet, the General Manager also unveiled a table place card that emphasized the importance of reducing energy consumption in everyday activities. Alongside him were Shiv Ram, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, Shyam Sunder Gupta, Principal Chief Operating Manager, and several other senior officials from Central Railway. Divisional Railway Managers and Chief Workshop Managers from across divisions participated virtually through video conferencing.
As part of the Energy Conservation Week celebrations, a variety of awareness activities were organised, including the display of informative posters and banners, drawing competitions, and other educational events. Central Railway has taken several significant steps to promote energy conservation and sustainability. All railway stations and buildings are now 100% lit by energy-efficient LED lights. Over 33,000 BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) energy-efficient fans have been installed, consuming only 26-30 watts compared to the 70-75 watts used by traditional fans. The railway has incorporated BEE-5 star rated equipment to ensure maximum energy efficiency. More than 2,800 energy-efficient inverter-based air-conditioners have been installed across various locations. An investment-grade energy audit has been conducted for more than 80 buildings, with plans to upgrade to energy-efficient fittings.
Ten Central Railway buildings have received the “Shunya / Shunya Plus” label from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, indicating their net-zero or net-positive energy status. A total of over 16 MW of rooftop solar panels have been installed across 249 locations to harness solar power. The railway is procuring approximately 14% of its power through green energy sources, with plans to increase this figure to 70% by 2027-28. With the ongoing expansion of railway projects and the redevelopment of stations, energy efficiency will play a crucial role in meeting Indian Railways’ goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Central Railway’s commitment to sustainable practices underscores its determination to contribute significantly to India’s environmental goals.
