Railways wake up to energy conservation

PUNE: In a bid to conserve energy the city railway division has installed solar-energy-based systems at more than 50 level crossing gates between Pune-Daund and Pune-Lonavala railway routes. The division has also made initiatives to use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and metal halide lamps at more than 10 railway stations in the division.

The initiatives have been made following a policy decision by the railway board asking all divisions to use CFLs. A special committee has also been set up to monitor the process.

Officials from the division stated that the energy conservation move has helped reduce electricity bills and it should also help reduce the division's expenditure on maintenance. "Although the extent to which these measures have helped conserve power are yet to be calculated, we expect 40 to 50 per cent reduction in bills," said M P Khobragade, divisional electrical engineer (general), Pune division.

Khobragade said that solar-energy-based systems will soon be installed at the additional 30 level crossing gates in the division. He added that the division is working towards installing the hybrid model, based on wind andsolar energy, at the level crossing gates on busy routes. "The hybrid model could be used as the primary source of energy," he said.

"Work of replacing all existing lamps and installing new CFL and T5 lamps is currently underway at more than seven stations. Three more stations will be covered under the drive and certain parts of stations, like waiting halls, dormitories and retiring rooms, will also be made energy efficient. Other railway properties, like residential quarters and running room at Pune and IRICEN hostel, will get solar water heaters and CFLs, soon," Khobragade.