In a major impetus to Indian Railways green pursuits, Howrah Railway Station has been awarded CII-IGBC Gold Rating under Indian Green Building Council, Green Railway Stations Rating System.
More Details:
- At a programme organised at Howrah Station, the esteemed Gold Plaque and Gold Rating Certificate was presented to Hon’ble General Manager, Shri Amar Prakash Dwivedi, Eastern Railway by Core Committee Member of Green Building Council, Kolkata Chapter, Shri G.M. Kapoor, in recognition of the station’s outstanding commitment to sustainability and green initiatives. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Howrah & Principal Officers of Eastern Railway were also present on this occasion.
- Howrah Railway Station, the largest in the country in terms of number of platforms, was awarded the CII-IGBC Green rating for incorporating some of the finest green buildings and passenger-friendly features such as installation of station rooftops, water management, mechanised cleaning, no artificial lighting during daytime, solid waste management, fresh air ventilation, universal accessibility, pedestrian friendliness and first and last mile connectivity.
- The station, which witnesses a daily footfall of approximately 6.5 lakhs passengers, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. To attain the Gold Rating, Howrah Division implemented a series of strategic and innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing its sustainability performance.
Speaking on occasion Shri Amar Prakash Dwivedi, General Manager of Eastern Railway extended warmest congratulations to Howrah Division, the entire team at Howrah Railway Station, and all those involved in making this incredible leap towards a greener future. He also added, this achievement of the Gold Rating by Howrah Railway Station exemplifies its steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship and sets a commendable example for other railway stations and institutions across the country to follow.
- Under able and constant guidance of Hon’ble General Manager Shri Amar Prakash Dwivedi, Eastern Railway the key initiatives taken by Howrah Division which ascended the silver rating by CII-IGBC Green rating to Gold rating are as below:
- The Waste to Compost Plant has been operational at Howrah Station since 05.06.2021.
- A number of water bodies have been developed, such as the cleaning of Rani Jheel.
- Several areas with natural topography and vegetation/grass design landscapes (featuring native/adaptive species) have been developed in the circulating area of Howrah station.
- Beautification work at Howrah Railway Station includes the use of potted trees in the station premises.
- Conventional high wattage AC ceiling fans have been replaced with energy-efficient BLDC ceiling fans.
- A Detailed Energy Audit of HWH Station (Old & New Complex) has been conducted, including Yatri Nivas building.
- CTO & ISO (ISO 14001:2015) certifications have been obtained for Howrah Station.
- 100% LED light installation has been completed to improve illumination and energy efficiency.
- Solar Panel capacity has been increased from 50 Kwp to 3 MWP covering more than 50% area of the rooftop from platform 1 to 23.
- During 22-23, 7 more nos. Pet Bottle Crusher Machines have been installed at Howrah Station Old and New complex.
- 02 nos of lifts have been installed and 04 toilet blocks have been specially made for Divyangan.
- 100% LED, Energy Efficiency Fans, AC, Motor & Pumps and equipment in the station premises have been installed.
- Medical care facilities have been increased. Life Care Ambulance has been provided round the clock for Howrah Station.
- Braille Signage has been provided in lifts.
- CCTV has been installed for surveillance and patrolling.
- In the module of water efficiency, 2 nos of Automatic Coach washing plant (ACWP) has been installed in Howrah area.
- Along with celebrating this remarkable progress, General Manager/Eastern Railway is very optimistic about Howrah Railway Station’s future endeavours to achieve the prestigious Platinum Rating.
Source: Eastern Railway- Press Release | Images Credit: Eastern Railway
