The NCRTC has garnered notable recognition by being awarded the prestigious Platinum Global Sustainability Award 2024. This esteemed accolade highlights their commitment to sustainable practices and excellence in infrastructure development.
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National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has been conferred with 14th Platinum Global Sustainability Award-2024 for its RRTS Project. This accolade, presented by the Energy and Environment Foundation (EEF), was part of the 15th World Renewable Energy Technology Congress, held at New Delhi on August 2, 2024. The congress focused on the theme: “Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Solutions for a Green Economy.” On behalf of NCRTC, the award was accepted by Mr. Mahendra Kumar, Director of Electrical & Rolling Stock.
NCRTC has taken number of initiatives towards making RRTS a eco-friendly transit solution, some of these are:
- NCRTC has embraced renewable energy by extensively adopting solar power across the RRTS corridor, aiming for an 11 MWp capacity. Out of which, 3 MWp is already operational, reducing CO2 emissions by 3,100 tons annually against the overall target of 11,500 tons, marking a significant step in combating climate change.
- Aim for the highest rating of IGBC certification for all RRTS stations, depots, and buildings. Several RRTS stations and Receiving Substations (RSS) have already achieved the prestigious “Platinum Rating,” including Sahibabad and Guldhar RRTS Stations, Ghaziabad and Muradnagar Receiving Substations, and most recently, the Duhai RRTS Station.
- Numerous conservation measures like selecting appropriate technologies for optimal energy use. Energy-efficient LED light fixtures, Solatube Daylighting systems have been installed at various locations, including stations, receiving substations, auxiliary substations, and depots.
- Selective door opening through Push buttons is one of the unique features of the modern Namo Bharat trains that was conceptualised for energy conservation only.
- Advanced lighting and temperature control systems in the train also ensure energy efficiency without compromising the passenger experience. Additionally, NCRTC is installing Electric Vehicle charging facilities in the parking areas of every RRTS station.
- NCRTC is making extensive efforts for rainwater harvesting across the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, with over 900 rainwater harvesting pits being developed to maximise water recharge.
- Even skill development training programs for farmers in Ghaziabad and Meerut districts were organised, emphasising contemporary agricultural techniques that prioritise water conservation.
- By introducing farmers to modern farming practices such as drip irrigation and hydroponics, NCRTC is fostering sustainable agriculture practices that reduce water consumption while enhancing productivity.
- Multi-modal integration lies at the heart of the RRTS, aiming to seamlessly connect with existing public transport networks. By strategically locating stations close to other transit modes, the RRTS facilitates convenient and efficient travel for commuters, encouraging a shift towards sustainable public transportation options.
- With an estimated increase in public transportation usage from 37% to 63%, the RRTS corridor promises to significantly reduce traffic congestion and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
- Once fully operational, the first RRTS corridor, Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut, is expected to remove over 1 lakh vehicles from the roads and reduce air pollution by cutting approximately 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
MD stated:
Mr. Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, remarked that “this award acknowledges our contribution and commitment to making a positive environmental impact through the first of its kind project, RRTS. The eco-friendly Namo Bharat trains are significantly enhancing the quality of life in the NCR by offering a faster, more convenient, reliable, and comfortable regional commute. Projects like RRTS are strategic intervention of Governments as a long-term solution to deal with persistent issues like air pollution and congestion. By maximising the use of renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient equipment & systems in RRTS, NCRTC is leading the way in adopting environment friendly practices.”
The Namo Bharat train heralds a new era of sustainable transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR), powered by electric traction and engineered for eco-friendliness. Due to reduced friction from steel-to-steel rolling contact, it consumes only 1/5th of the fossil fuel compared to road vehicles.
Source: NCRTC – Press Release | Images Credit: NCRTC
