L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL), the entity behind the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project, intends to use solar power to meet all of its energy needs to become carbon neutral by 2040 and water neutral by 2035.
To achieve these goals, L&TMRHL actively monetises carbon credit through the ‘Global Carbon Council’, transforming environmental responsibility into a financially viable business model. As per K.V.B. Reddy, the company’s CEO and Managing Director, the goal is to obtain platinum accreditation from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for all stations.
Since its inception, the initiative has made significant efforts towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It is predicted that in fiscal year 2022-23 alone, roughly 88 million kilogrammes of CO2 emissions have been prevented since 2018, equivalent to the growth of over 88 million trees.
Reddy emphasised the environmental benefits of using the Metro system, stating that a 30-kilometer travel releases 97% less CO2 than a car and 98% less than a bus passenger.
As part of its sustainability activities, the project built 155 strategic pits at stations and depots to collect rainwater, holding about 58,600 kiloliters annually. This captured water is used for various non-potable applications, reducing dependency on freshwater sources and encouraging water conservation.
L&TMRHL has erected an 8.35 Mwp captive solar power plant across its depots and on the rooftops of 28 stations, generating 10% of the Metro’s total power needs. This strategy reduces reliance on traditional energy sources and substantially reduces the carbon footprint.
Innovative technology, such as regenerative braking systems on Metro trains and lifts, recovers 40% of used traction energy and recirculates it back into the grid. This not only lowers energy consumption but also improves sustainability by maximising resource utilisation.
Reddy stressed their intention to create a new green urban mobility norm by integrating clean technologies. He sees the Hyderabad Metro as more than just a transport system; it represents the city’s transition to a sustainable and environmentally conscientious urban hub.
