Indian Railways (IR) is proactively working to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. IR has taken a multi-pronged approach. As part of its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, Indian Railways is undertaking several initiatives. .Accordingly, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 14 June 2023 between Indian Railways, the Government of India and the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) on cooperation in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The MoU was signed by Shri Naveen Gulati, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways and Ms. Isabel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID, in the presence of Sh. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman and CEO, Railway Board.
USAID is an agency of the US government that supports international development and advances its mission objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade, clean energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, global health, democracy and conflict mitigation and management, and humanitarian assistance.
Through the MoU, technical assistance and support would be provided to the Indian Railways. The MoU generally includes but is not limited to the following areas:-
Long Term Energy Planning including Clean Energy for Indian Railways.
Develop an energy efficiency policy and action plan for IR buildings.
Clean Energy Procurement Planning to achieve Vision Zero of Indian Railways.
Technical support for solving regulatory and implementation obstacles.
Bid design and bid management support for system-friendly and large-scale renewable supply.
Supporting Indian Railways in promoting e-mobility.
Jointly organize events, conferences and capacity building programs in the mentioned identified areas, including field visits and study tours (domestic/international).
Indian Railways’ collaboration with USAID in India will help Indian Railways achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
