Climate Resilient Initiatives in Urban Transport: Towards greener Delhi

By Atul Mishra

While strolling back to home from work yesterday, I happened to notice at the Central Secretariat metro station, a 'green corner' which was an installation where one could sit and relax. But it was more than just a place of relaxing detour. It was an exhibition of green initiatives by Delhi Metro titled "Climate Resilient Initiatives in Urban Transport." I stood there for a moment and read the descriptive standees. The installation claimed the initiatives under three categories- Green Initiatives, Solar Initiatives and Socio-economic Benefits.

The Green corner, "Climate Resilient Initiatives in Urban Transport"

Green Delhi. A giant leap to reduce carbon content in the air and fight global warming

It says- Delhi Metro carries lakhs of people to their chosen destination everyday. It also saves lives, prevents accidents and reduces pollution levels. Reduction in the number of vehicles from the roads of the city everyday – 1,17,249. Annual reduction in fuel consumption – 1,06,493 tonnes. Annual reduction in pollutants – 6 3 Lakh tonnes. Saving in time per trip – 28 minutes. Annual reduction in fatal accidents -111. Annual reduction in all accidents – 591.

It says- Installing "Grid connected" Solar plants under RESCO model. Total potential of 50 MWp Solar capacity assessed for total network. Central financial assistance (CFA) for 20 MWp approved by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. Of India. 11 MWp PPA signed with Developers selected through Open Tender. Solar plants of capacity of 2.8 (2.794) MWp commissioned till date. In Faridabad line — Solar Plant of 1.7 MWp capacity is commissioned. Solar plant of 150 kWp at each station, totalling to 1200 kWp. 450 kWp is installed at Ajronda Depot. Faridabad Receiving Substation provided with 50 kWp Plant.

It says- First Metro and Railway system in the world registered under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for Regenerative Braking & Modal Shift. Earning Carbon Credits for reducing Green House Gas Emissions by reducing pollution levels in the city by 6.3 lakh tons every year. Carbon Credits earning per annum: Modal Shift — 4.5 Lakh; Regenerative Braking — 47,000. Trains are equipped with Regenerative Braking. 5.26 Unit of energy is regenerated per kilometer. Regenerative braking in Lifts (Energy Saving of 15%). Rain water harvesting at all stations and via-duct. First Metro system in the world to be registered with prestigious Gold Standard Foundation. All Phase-III stations are being designed as 'Green Buildings'. Energy efficient on line UPS for emergency system and lighting. Plants ten saplings for every tree ought to cut.