In line with Indian Railways’ mission to attain net zero emission deadline by 2030, Southern Railway has been taking multifarious efforts on many fronts towards reduction of carbon footprint and achieving a clean and green environment.
In order to promulgate awareness on energy conservation among employees, rail users and general public, Southern Railway observed Energy Conservation Week from 08.12.2021 to 14.12.2021. Various activities such as displaying Energy Conservation Posters and Banners at prominent places, distribution of pamphlets to public and Railway Employees, conducting Seminars by Supervisors to their staff for creating awareness were carried out.
R.K.Mehta, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, Southern Railway convened an Energy Conservation Meeting at Southern Railway Headquarters on 15.12.2021. Seminars and deliberations were held on Power Supply, Traction, Coaching & Locomotives. A departmental presentation was made by Electrical General Services, Chennai Division and the Deputy Director, National Productivity Council. The event concluded with distribution of Awards to deserving Electrical Supervisors and Loco Pilots of the zone.
Energy conservation initiatives of Southern Railway
As a result of various steps taken by Southern Railway, energy savings of 570 million units in traction category and 18 million units in non-traction were achieved during 2020-21 as compared to 2019-20. This has offset CO2 emission by 588000 metric tonnes and notional saving of Rs. 377 Crores to Southern Railway.
Huge savings in energy has contributed for obtaining IGBC’s (Indian Green Building Council) Platinum rating for Coimbatore station, Green-CO certificate for Chennai Central station & GOC workshop, 5350 Energy Saving Certificates(EScerts) under PAT-II (Perform, Achieve and Trade) scheme of BEE, ISO 50001 certification to Tondiarpet and Ernakulam Diesel loco sheds and Erode, Arakkonam and Royapuram Electric Loco Sheds.
Southern Railway has installed 4.9 MWp of Solar energy as on date. The annual solar energy generation during 2020-21 is 4.07 million units which leads to a notional savings of Rs.1.77 Crores. The total energy generated so far from the date of installation by these solar plants is 12 million units which leads to national savings of Rs 5 Crores.
10.5 MW capacity of wind mill plants have been installed as on date. The annual energy generation during 2020-21 is 26 million units which leads to a notional savings of Rs.13 Crores. The total energy generated from the date of installation is 70 million units which leads to a notional savings of Rs.38 Crores.
Electric locomotive sheds at Erode, Arakkonam and Royapuram are ISO 50001 certified . Introduction of Dual Mode Shunting Locomotive (PASUMAI series) has eliminated the need for diesel shunting loco and has resulted in annual saving of Rs.3.66 crores. At present, 5 nos of dual mode locos are being utilized in Tambaram and Basin Bridge yard. Tondiarpet and Ernakulam loco sheds have been awarded with EMS 50001 certification based on its large amount of energy savings.
Total holding of Electric locomotive has increased to 568 nos and that of diesel locomotives has reduced to 120 numbers resulting in saving of huge quantity of diesel and efficient running of trains. Out of above, 187 electric locomotives are 3-phase locomotives which are of high speed and high haulage capacity and of energy efficient and thus leading to efficient operations and energy saving.
The zone has achieved 100% conversion of conventional lights to LED in all its premises besides proliferation of BLDC fans for ceiling and air circulators.
Southern Railway is also progressing fast on electrification of routes and expected to complete 100 % electrification by 2023. This will connect all routes of Southern Railway seamlessly to all parts of the country via electric traction which will eliminate delays in train operation due to change of locomotives and thus offering convenience to passenger and freight customer.