Delhi Metro became the first metro or railroad project in the world to be registered by the UN under its Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
Amidst the bustling streets and the chaos of Delhi-NCR, a silver lining shines bright. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has taken upon itself a noble mission of reducing its energy consumption and becoming a beacon of sustainability.
The DMRC, with its futuristic vision, has installed Low Green House Gases (GHG) emitting rolling stock cars in its metro system. The whirring of these cars, akin to the sound of a bird in flight, are a testament to the DMRC's commitment to the environment.
But it's not just the sound that is a delight to the senses; the visuals are equally awe-inspiring. The greenery that lines the tracks, the solar panels that power the stations, and the LED lights that illuminate the tunnels - all working in tandem to create an eco-friendly ecosystem.
“Right from its inception, DMRC has taken a number of measures for protecting the environment and conserving resources to ensure that DMRC’s construction and operations remain environment friendly and most energy efficient. DMRC’s Vision, Mission and Culture Statement states that ‘During construction, we should neither cause inconvenience nor endanger public life nor should our work lead to ecological or environmental degradation’,”states Anuj Dayal, head, Corporate Communications, DMRC.
The DMRC's efforts have not gone unnoticed. It has entered the clean development mechanism (CDM) and has complied with the Sustainable Development Goals. Its efforts have set an example for other transport systems to follow. CDM is a mechanism established under the UNFCCC (The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) to promote sustainable development in developing countries while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The metro system, once a mere mode of transportation, has now become a symbol of sustainability. The people of Delhi-NCR can now travel with a clear conscience, knowing that they are contributing to the betterment of the environment.
The DMRC's story began In 2002 when it launched its first line, the Red Line, which ran between Shahdara and Tis Hazari. Two decades later, it has become a ubiquitous mode of transport in Delhi-NCR, covering 391 km of the capital and its suburbs, with 12 lines and 286 stations. A critical component of the city's transportation infrastructure, DMRC ferries over 2.6 million passengers daily.
Despite land acquisition issues, funding shortages, and technical difficulties, it persisted as not just a sustainable mode of transportation for millions of people but also as sustainable in itself. Ever since DMRC launched its first phase in 2006, it has removed lakhs of vehicles from Delhi roads, reduced noise and air pollution, and accidents. If it weren’t for the Delhi Metro, the pollution levels would have soared even further in the city.
Delhi Metro became the first metro or railroad project in the world to be registered by the UN under its Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in 2007.
It joined the CDM with the “Installation of Low Green House Gases (GHG) emitting rolling stock cars in the metro system” in 2007 and went on to register three more CDM projects with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Apart from the above, three climate change projects on energy efficiency were registered with another platform the Gold Standard (GS) Foundation. In 2018, DMRC earned ₹19.5 crore from the sale of 3.55 million carbon credits collected over a period of six years from 2012 to 2018, in its bid towards gaining greater energy efficiency.
With regenerative braking technology, DMRC has harnessed the energy of braking and became the first railway project ever to claim carbon credits for it. The regenerative braking technology has enabled DMRC to recover energy from braking and reuse it.
To be energy efficient, DMRC has undertaken many more measures like replacement of conventional lights with energy efficient LED Lights; replacement of split ACs with energy efficient VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) system at elevated stations; replacing split ACs with energy efficient air-cooled chillers at underground stations.
“Lifts and escalators have been provided with variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) control drives that match the power requirements with the actual load, and pumps have been automated,” adds Dayal.
In order to examine the three facets of sustainability — economic, social, and environmental — Delhi Metro hired the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a prestigious CSIR institution in New Delhi, to conduct Phase-I of Delhi Metro benefits study in 2006. Later, in 2018, TERI completed a socio-economic analysis for each of the three DMRC stages, namely Phases I, II, and III.
Apart from these, the metro network also makes use of solar power, practices water conservation, and manages waste. It has also implemented ISO 50001 – Energy Management System—and invested in last mile connectivity through e-cycles, e-scooters and e-rickshaws. Last month, DMRC announced its plans to install electric autos for last-mile connectivity in Chhatarpur, Rohini, and central Delhi.
When it comes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), DMRC is complying with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), in particular.
It follows a water policy which emphasises on the reduction, reuse and recycle of water and wastewater. It replenishes groundwater through rain water harvesting structures (RWHS) installed at elevated stations, viaducts and depots. It has invested in STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) and ETP (effluent treatment plant) and bio-digesters to treat water and reuse it for horticulture and flushing.
The Rewa Solar Power Project in Madhya Pradesh supplied DMRC with 27 Megawatts of electricity. It is also able to generate close to 28 MW of electricity thanks to numerous roof-top solar power projects that have been installed at metro stations, depots, and residential communities.
The metro system has made a significant contribution towards reducing the carbon footprint of Delhi by providing a reliable and efficient mass transit system that reduces the number of private vehicles on the roads.
The DMRC's journey towards sustainability has just begun, but its commitment is steadfast. It continues to innovate and implement new measures to reduce its carbon footprint. With each passing day, it is becoming a shining example of how a transport system can be sustainable without compromising on efficiency.
In the hustle and bustle of Delhi-NCR, the DMRC stands tall - a beacon of hope for a greener future.