Indian Railways And CII Ink MoU For Green Initiatives

Indian Railways, a key player in the transportation sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by renewing its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The collaboration aims to reduce energy and water consumption, ultimately lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This marks the third consecutive term of partnership between Indian Railways and CII.

Indian Railways’ Pledge for Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030

Indian Railways, recognizing its role as a major stakeholder in the transportation sector, has signed a renewed MoU with CII to actively contribute to environmental protection. The railway network has set an ambitious target of achieving “Net Zero Carbon Emission” by 2030, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable practices.

History of Collaboration

The collaboration between Indian Railways and CII began in July 2016, with the signing of the first MoU for a period of three years. Following its successful implementation, a second MoU was signed in 2019, leading to significant progress in various green initiatives.

Achievements under Previous MoUs

The previous MoUs have yielded remarkable results in achieving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability:

• Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Facilities and Workshops: This initiative led to energy savings of 210 lakh kWh and monetary savings of Rs. 16 crores, with a substantial reduction of around 18,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
• GreenCo Rating: Implemented in 75 Railways units, the GreenCo rating system substantially improved environmental performance.
• Green Railway Stations: Approximately 40 stations achieved green certification, saving 22 million kWh of energy and 3 billion litres of water annually.
• Green Buildings, Hospitals, Schools, and Colonies: Over 40 facilities, including administrative buildings, hospitals, schools, and colonies, obtained green certification.
• Capacity Building and Skill Development: More than 20 new technology suppliers were introduced, exposing around 150 Indian Railways officials to six best energy-efficient private sector plants in India. Additionally, approximately 900 officials were trained on different aspects of energy efficiency.

Strategic Shift Towards Net Zero

Ms. Seema Arora, Deputy Director General of CII, praised Indian Railways’ efforts in implementing green measures and reducing energy and water consumption. She stressed the strategic shift towards the Net Zero framework, aligning with global sustainability goals. The partnership aims to create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Future Initiatives under the Renewed MoU

Under the renewed MoU, CII will collaborate on introducing new and relevant technologies, assisting in achieving ISO 50001 certification for workshops/production units, developing a Net-Zero Energy Railway station framework, and creating an information dashboard to showcase advancements in green initiatives throughout the year.

Important Questions Related to Exams

1. What is the primary goal of the renewed MoU between Indian Railways and CII?
A) Increase passenger capacity
B) Reduce energy and water consumption
C) Enhance train speed

2. How many consecutive terms have Indian Railways and CII renewed their MoU?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three

3. What is the targeted year for Indian Railways to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emission”?
A) 2025
B) 2030
C) 2040

4. Which organization actively partnered with Indian Railways since July 2016 for green initiatives?
A) United Nations
B) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
C) World Health Organization

Kindly share your responses in the comment section.