Kolkata, July 19, 2023

 

In a major impetus to Indian Railways' green pursuits, Howrah Railway Station has been awarded CII-IGBC Gold rating under the Indian Green Building Council, Green Railway Stations Rating System. In a programme organised at Howrah Station today, the esteemed Gold Plaque and Gold Rating Certificate was presented to General Manager, Shri. Amar Prakash Dwivedi, Eastern Railway (ER) by the Core Committee Member of Green Building Council, Kolkata Chapter, Shri. G M Kapoor, in recognition of the station's outstanding commitment to sustainability and green initiatives. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Howrah & Principal Officers of ER was also present on this occasion.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Dwivedi lauded the entire team at Howrah Railway Station and all those involved in the making of such a commendable effort towards a greener future. He said, this achievement of Gold Rating by Howrah Railway Station exemplifies its steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship and sets a commendable example for other railway stations and institutions across the country to follow.

 

Howrah Railway Station, the largest in the country in terms of number of platforms, was awarded the CII-IGBC Green rating for incorporating some of the finest green buildings and passenger-friendly features such as installation of station rooftops, water management, mechanised cleaning, no artificial lighting during daytime, solid waste management, fresh air ventilation, universal accessibility, pedestrian friendliness and first and last mile connectivity. The station, which witnesses a daily footfall of approximately 6.5 lakh passengers, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. To attain the Gold Rating, Howrah Division implemented a series of strategic and innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing its sustainability performance. 

 

The key initiatives taken by Howrah Division of ER which ascended the silver rating by CII-IGBC Green rating to Gold rating  included:

 

1. The Waste to Compost Plant has been operational at Howrah Station since 05.06.2021.

 

2. A number of water bodies have been developed, such as the cleaning of Rani Jheel.

 

3. Several areas with natural topography and vegetation/grass design landscapes (featuring native/adaptive species) have been developed in the circulating area of Howrah station.

 

4. Beautification work at Howrah Railway Station includes the use of potted trees in the station premises.

 

5. Conventional high wattage AC ceiling fans have been replaced with energy-efficient BLDC ceiling fans. 

 

6. A Detailed Energy Audit of HWH Station (Old & New Complex) has been conducted, including Yatri Nivas building.

 

7. CTO & ISO (ISO 14001:2015) certifications have been obtained for Howrah Station.

 

8. 100% LED light installation has been completed to improve illumination and energy efficiency.

 

9. Solar Panel capacity has been increased from 50 Kwp to 3 MWP covering more than 50 % area of the rooftop from platform 1 to 23.

 

10. During 22-23, seven more Pet Bottle Crusher Machines were installed at Howrah Station Old and New complex.

 

11. 02 nos of lifts have been installed and 04 toilets blocks have been specially made for Divyangan.

 

12. 100% LED, Energy Efficiency Fans, AC, Motor & Pumps and equipment in the station premises have been installed.

 

13. Medical care has been intensified. Life Care Ambulance has been provided round the clock for Howrah Station.

 

14. Braille Signage has been provided in lifts.

 

15. CCTV have been installed for surveillance and patrolling

 

16. In the module of water efficiency, two automatic coach washing plants (ACWP) have been installed in Howrah area.

 

Along with celebrating this remarkable progress, the General Manager was very much optimistic about Howrah Railway Station's future endeavours to move forward to achieve the prestigious Platinum rating.

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SSS

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