Indian Railways spearheads sustainable freight for greener practices
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indian Railways spearheads sustainable freight for greener practices

The spotlight is on sustainability as government and business leaders gather in Davos for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. Despite 95% of the world's transport energy still relying on fossil fuels, the transport sector is accountable for approximately one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. In an era increasingly focused on climate change and environmental concerns, opting for sustainable transportation can yield significant benefits.

Railways emerge as one of the most fuel-efficient means to transport freight over land, replacing hundreds of trucks emitting greenhouse gases on highways. Shifting freight to railways can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%. A study indicates that rail emits about 0.0149 kg of greenhouse gases per ton-km of freight moved, compared to trucks emitting around ten times more at 0.1445 kg per ton-km. This makes rail the lowest-emission option per ton-km for freight movement, offering economic advantages by alleviating road congestion and reducing highway maintenance costs.

A single freight train has the capacity to carry one thousand to five thousand tonnes of freight. While diesel fuel currently powers these trains, it generates only 25% to 33% of the greenhouse gas emissions produced by trucks. As railways transition to electric locomotives or other non-fossil fuels in the future, even greater benefits in the battle against climate change are anticipated.

In this context, Indian Railways presents an eco-friendly, efficient, and compelling alternative to road freight. Currently holding a 28% share in India's freight movement, there is potential for growth. The National Rail Plan (NRP) 2020 aims to increase the freight traffic share to 44% by 2051.

The Railway Ministry is actively encouraging industries to utilise rail for freight movement. Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) on high-density routes enhance efficiency with higher throughput, heavy haul trains, lower energy consumption, reduced operation and maintenance costs, and shorter transit times.

Corporate entities, like Adani Wilmar, are capitalising on this shift. As a major Food & FMCG company in India, Adani Wilmar transports edible oils via railways, earning recognition from Indian Railways for being the largest transporter of edible oils via rail during the financial year 2022?23. The company has received 44,354 Rail Green Points (RGPs) since April 1, 2022, equivalent to 44,354 metric tonnes of carbon emissions reduction. This corporate commitment reflects a prioritisation of environmental considerations over monetary gain.

Rail Green Points serve to encourage industries to adopt railway transport for cargo movement, promoting sustainable supply chain management practices. This not only reduces carbon footprints but also contributes to a larger narrative of sustainable corporate practices in India.

In a country like India, where economic growth and environmental sustainability must coexist, railways provide a practical, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution with benefits for both the economy and the planet. Beyond business efficiency and environmental protection, the use of railways for freight signifies a broader societal shift toward recognising the importance of sustainable practices for the health of our planet and economic prosperity.

With ongoing efforts to improve the railway freight transport system through incentive schemes and enhanced connectivity, the potential for reducing carbon emissions, alleviating road congestion, and enhancing overall logistical efficiency is substantial. Corporate pioneers like Adani Wilmar, by showcasing successful rail freight usage, pave the way for Indian Railways to make a substantial contribution to India's quest for a greener and more sustainable future.

The spotlight is on sustainability as government and business leaders gather in Davos for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. Despite 95% of the world's transport energy still relying on fossil fuels, the transport sector is accountable for approximately one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. In an era increasingly focused on climate change and environmental concerns, opting for sustainable transportation can yield significant benefits. Railways emerge as one of the most fuel-efficient means to transport freight over land, replacing hundreds of trucks emitting greenhouse gases on highways. Shifting freight to railways can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%. A study indicates that rail emits about 0.0149 kg of greenhouse gases per ton-km of freight moved, compared to trucks emitting around ten times more at 0.1445 kg per ton-km. This makes rail the lowest-emission option per ton-km for freight movement, offering economic advantages by alleviating road congestion and reducing highway maintenance costs. A single freight train has the capacity to carry one thousand to five thousand tonnes of freight. While diesel fuel currently powers these trains, it generates only 25% to 33% of the greenhouse gas emissions produced by trucks. As railways transition to electric locomotives or other non-fossil fuels in the future, even greater benefits in the battle against climate change are anticipated. In this context, Indian Railways presents an eco-friendly, efficient, and compelling alternative to road freight. Currently holding a 28% share in India's freight movement, there is potential for growth. The National Rail Plan (NRP) 2020 aims to increase the freight traffic share to 44% by 2051. The Railway Ministry is actively encouraging industries to utilise rail for freight movement. Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) on high-density routes enhance efficiency with higher throughput, heavy haul trains, lower energy consumption, reduced operation and maintenance costs, and shorter transit times. Corporate entities, like Adani Wilmar, are capitalising on this shift. As a major Food & FMCG company in India, Adani Wilmar transports edible oils via railways, earning recognition from Indian Railways for being the largest transporter of edible oils via rail during the financial year 2022?23. The company has received 44,354 Rail Green Points (RGPs) since April 1, 2022, equivalent to 44,354 metric tonnes of carbon emissions reduction. This corporate commitment reflects a prioritisation of environmental considerations over monetary gain. Rail Green Points serve to encourage industries to adopt railway transport for cargo movement, promoting sustainable supply chain management practices. This not only reduces carbon footprints but also contributes to a larger narrative of sustainable corporate practices in India. In a country like India, where economic growth and environmental sustainability must coexist, railways provide a practical, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution with benefits for both the economy and the planet. Beyond business efficiency and environmental protection, the use of railways for freight signifies a broader societal shift toward recognising the importance of sustainable practices for the health of our planet and economic prosperity. With ongoing efforts to improve the railway freight transport system through incentive schemes and enhanced connectivity, the potential for reducing carbon emissions, alleviating road congestion, and enhancing overall logistical efficiency is substantial. Corporate pioneers like Adani Wilmar, by showcasing successful rail freight usage, pave the way for Indian Railways to make a substantial contribution to India's quest for a greener and more sustainable future.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tiruvallur Begins Full Audit of Accident-Prone Roads

Tiruvallur, a fast-growing logistics and residential hub on Chennai’s northwestern edge, has begun a comprehensive audit of fatal and non-fatal road accidents across the district.Special task forces made up of transport, police, and revenue officials have started field investigations at high-risk locations such as Red Hills, Poonamallee, and Tiruvallur town.The initiative follows an alarming 188 road crashes, including 49 fatalities, reported in February alone. Tiruvallur Collector M. Prathap has directed officials to analyse five years’ worth of crash data to assess if road design flaws o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Modi Hands Over 51K Job Letters, Urges Youth to Drive Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth in various government departments and organisations, addressing them via videoconferencing during the Rozgar Mela.Speaking to the gathering, Modi said today marks the beginning of new responsibilities for the recruits. He urged them to strengthen India’s economy, boost internal security, help build modern infrastructure, and bring meaningful change to people's lives. The sincerity with which they perform their duties, he said, would directly impact India’s journey towards becoming a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NICDC Wins Udyog Vikas Award for Driving Industrial Growth

The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) received the Udyog Vikas Award at an event organised by Janmabhumi Daily, a leading Kerala-based news outlet. Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Public Enterprises, and Steel, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, attended the event and reaffirmed the Union Government’s commitment to building next-generation Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities nationwide.During his address, Varma praised the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) at Palakkad, calling it a gamechanger for Kerala’s industrial and infrastructure landscape. He said ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?