Indian Railways signs MoU with USAID/India to achieve Net Zero carbon emission by 2030

The MoU, signed on June 14, is a step towards IR’s achievement of Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.

The MoU was signed by Naveen Gulati, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways and Isabel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID, in the presence of Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board.

USAID is an agency of the U.S. 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.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Indian Railways will receive technical assistance and support in various areas.

The agreement encompasses a wide range of activities, including long-term energy planning to incorporate clean energy sources into the railway system.

The focus will also be on developing an Energy Efficiency Policy and Action Plan for Indian Railways' buildings, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

The MoU further entails planning for the procurement of clean energy to align with Indian Railways' vision of achieving net-zero emissions.

Technical support will be provided to address regulatory and implementation challenges in the adoption of clean energy solutions.

Further, the agreement includes bid design and management support for the large-scale procurement of renewable energy systems that are compatible with the railway infrastructure.

Another key aspect is the promotion of e-mobility within Indian Railways, exploring opportunities for electrification and sustainable transportation solutions.

The collaboration will extend to organizing events, conferences, capacity-building programs, field visits, and study tours to exchange knowledge and expertise in the identified areas.