In continuous efforts to provide clean and green transportation to its commuters, Western Railway bagged three prestigious National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) in ‘Transport’ and ‘Building – Govt offices categories for the year 2020, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power.
- Western Railway has been awarded the First Prize in the Transportation Category along with First and Third prize in Buildings Category for Divisional Railway Manager’s offices at Bhavnagar and Rajkot respectively.
- This commendable achievement has been possible due to the dynamic leadership & valuable guidance of Shri Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Rly.
- According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, this top honour has been given to Western Rly for significant improvements in energy conservation by adopting various measures including as under:-
- During 2019-20, Electrification of 664 Rkm was done on Western Railway, which is highest on Indian Railways.
- The introduction of electric traction reduces the consumption of Diesel oil and improves the efficiency of transportation, reducing the carbon footprint.
- Western Railway is operating 67 regular train pairs with Head-On Generation and stopped the use of Diesel Generator Set for power supply to coaches, thus achieving a net saving of about Rs.50 Crores.
- 8.67 MWp capacity rooftop solar plants have been provided at various railway stations, office & service buildings.
- These plants have generated 5.47 million units of green energy resulting in a net saving of Rs.2.25 crores per annum.
- Energy-efficient 5-star rated electrical appliances are used extensively in office and service buildings.
- Energy-efficient LED lights have been installed at all the stations, service buildings & residential quarters resulting in saving of about Rs.12 crores per annum.
- Introduction of three-phase technology and improvement in driving techniques has helped in 15% improvement in SEC, a net saving of about Rs.15 crores per annum.
- Shri Thakur stated that in the Buildings Category, Bhavnagar and Rajkot Divisions of Western Railway received the First and Third prizes for the efforts made by these divisions to promote energy efficiency in the non-traction area.
- Western Railway is committed to improve our performance towards energy efficiency and a clean environment in the following years.
Source: Western Railway-Press Release
