The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in collaboration with i-Metro, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), hosted the 5th International Conference on Green Metro Systems in New Delhi. The event focused on sustainable urban mobility, energy-efficient infrastructure, and green technology integration in metro systems.
Key Highlights of Conference
- The conference emphasized reducing carbon footprints, easing traffic congestion, minimizing vehicular pollution, and improving urban living standards.
- Indian metro rail corporations play a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency, green building practices, water conservation, and sustainable urban transport solutions.
- The Green Metro Systems Conference showcased cutting-edge advancements in green technology, smart transit solutions, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Importance of Green Metro Systems: Reduces urban pollution and traffic congestion, Enhances energy efficiency through renewable energy integration, Encourages sustainable urban transport with eco-friendly infrastructure and Supports India’s climate goals by promoting low-emission public transport solutions.
Green MRTS Rating System by IGBC
The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has developed the Green MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) Rating System, which evaluates metro rail sustainability in India. The framework promotes environmentally responsible metro infrastructure, including command-and-control centers, substations, depots, and station facilities.
Key focus areas include:
- Energy and water management.
- Use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power).
- Integration of metro stations with other public transport networks.
- Eco-friendly materials and low-emission construction.
- Enhancing commuter experience with sustainable designs.
India’s First Vertical Bi-Facial Solar Plant
- Union Minister of Power and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Manohar Lal inaugurated India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant at Okhla Vihar Metro Station.
- 1 MW rooftop solar power plant was also launched at Khyber Pass Depot.
- Bi-facial panels capture sunlight from both sides, utilizing the metro’s elevated structure for solar power generation without occupying additional land.
- This initiative contributes significantly to metro sustainability and India’s renewable energy goals.