Karwar: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Konkan Railway (KR) released details of its green initiatives. KR is one of the oldest signatories of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

Some of the initiatives include roll-on roll-off service which transports road trucks on rail wagons, making it possible to move them through the Western Ghats between Kolad and Suratkal. This service was introduced on January 26, 1999, and has so far transported five lakh road trucks and saved about 750 lakh litres of fuel. Apart from huge savings to the economy, it has also resulted in easing traffic congestion on roads. This technology is being emulated by the Indian Railways too.

Introduction of fuel efficient and environment-friendly DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) services is another step in this direction. One of the many benefits these trains provide is reduction of traffic congestion in busy and fast-growing cities like Madgaon. The KR has also developed an indigenous low cost robust ‘Automatic Coach Washing Plant’ technology for cleaning of train coaches. This technology utilises 70 per cent less water than its manual cleaning counterpart, with more than 10 million litres of water saved at each plant annually.

Rain water harvesting at five stations namely Kamathe, Ratnagiri, Ukshi, Ankola and Murdeshwar is another effort to conserve water. The provision of environment eco-friendly bio toilets at both stations and on trains is another novel attempt to conserve resources by harnessing renewable energy. The KR has so far installed bio toilets in one fourth of coaches and at 11 railway stations. ‘Organic Waste Converters’ that convert biodegradable waste into compost have been installed at Karwar Ratnagiri and Madgaon stations. A Biodigester has also been installed at Ratnagiri station’s running room and the biogas generated is used for cooking. Another effort on the energy management front is a 350 kilowatt capacity solar park at Ratnagiri which caters to the power requirements of the city. Moreover, rooftop solar plants have been installed at Kudal, Sawantwadi and Udupi stations. Energy saving LED lights have been installed at all 66 Konkan tunnels. In an attempt to reduce air pollution, Tunnel Ventilation Systems have been installed in seven long tunnels. The KR planted over 40,000 saplings last year.