Delhi Metro first to go 100% 'green'

The consistent focus on green initiatives has added yet another feather in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) cap. The corporation generated as much as 20 MW of solar power in 2017, by adding facilities to generate 2.6 MW of additional power across the Metro network.

In fact, DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh dedicated the new solar power facilities to the nation on Friday, during the third edition of the conference on Green Metro Systems, held in association with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), at Metro Bhawan.

The National Conference on Green Metro Systems was attended by delegates from all other Metro Systems in the country, who deliberated upon a range of issues regarding adoption of green technologies for planning, constructing, and operating Metro systems.

During the event, Singh said that with this initiative, the Delhi Metro has become the world's first-ever Metro system to get green certification for all its major buildings and installations. As many as 10 residential colonies of the rail corporation were also awarded with the platinum rating for adherence to green building norms by the IGBC.

Previously, the corporation had received green certifications for its Phase III stations, depots, and sub-stations.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh emphasised upon the need for adopting green technologies for constructing and running Metro systems.

He said, "The country's energy consumption has increased by 700 per cent in the last four decades. This will increase three times more by 2030. One of the major users of energy is the transport sector, especially urban transport. Therefore, it is very relevant to focus on Metro systems and talk of green Metro."

Appreciating the DMRC for its various green initiatives, Dr Prem C Jain, Chairman of the IGBC, said, "Delhi Metro is the first to become a green Metro. The platinum ratings that they have got are hard-earned and a lot of toil has gone into the process."

AK Gupta, Director (Electrical), DMRC, and the Chairman of the conference, also highlighted the corporation's green achievements.

SWACHH CHETNA

• Recently, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation(DMRC) had launched a joint initiative with the Gurugram-based Shri Ram School, named Swachh Chetna
   
• It is an Eco Club launched to encourage school children to participate in more environment-friendly projects and activities