CR saved 16.5% power in Dec ’18

Nagpur: A series of green initiatives have helped Nagpur division of Central Railway to reduce power consumption by 16.46% in December last year.
Nagpur Central Railway pays an annual electricity bill of Rs20 crore, which comes to Rs1.66 crore per month. “On average, we have been saving 8.9% energy since we took to green initiatives but due to active participation of employees in December, we could save 16.46%,” said senior divisional electrical engineer (general) Namdeo Rabde.

“During the same period last year, we saved 10.8% power. Several initiatives like nominating officials and employees as ‘Energy Conservators’ and ‘Energy Guards’ have been taken,” said Rabde.

Recently, the division launched a mobile app called VISHNUP for quick redressal of power complaints. It also conveys a message to the employees after solving of problems. Senior railway officials said old air-conditioners have been replaced with those having 5-star rating, which helped save 40% power.

In meeting halls, auditoriums, ticket reservation halls, goods sheds solar light pipe system has been installed. At many places GSM-based water pump technology is being used to save energy. “We have brought down illumination from 70% to 30% at railway stations when there is no movement of trains,” said Rabde.

The division has also replaced all conventional lights with 20,000 nine-watt LED bulbs in staff quarters. Work to replace 20,000 more LED tube lights of 20 watts is in progress at all railway quarters.

“We have fitted LED lights in 121 train coaches. In running rooms, rest houses, retiring rooms, RPF barracks solar water heaters of 1,000 litres have been installed,” said officials.