Indian Railways’ Water Conservation Initiative on Vande Bharat Trains
Indian Railways recently announced a significant update regarding the provision of water to passengers on Vande Bharat trains. Instead of the regular 1-litre bottles previously provided, passengers will now receive 500 ml Rail Neer bottles. This decision is aimed at minimizing water wastage and optimizing resources more efficiently.
According to Deepak Kumar, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northern Railway, every passenger on the Vande Bharat train will now be issued one 500 ml Rail Neer Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) bottle. Additionally, passengers have the option to request an extra 500 ml bottle from the train staff without any additional charge. Kumar highlighted that this move is intended to reduce unnecessary consumption of potable water, particularly considering the relatively shorter travel distances associated with Vande Bharat trains compared to longer-haul journeys like those on Rajdhani trains.
This decision follows a similar initiative implemented on Shatabdi trains, where passengers also began receiving 500 ml Rail Neer bottles instead of the larger 1-litre ones. This adjustment acknowledges the limited water requirements for journeys lasting up to 8.5 hours.
In line with its commitment to water conservation, Central Railways has been actively utilizing recycled water for coach and platform cleaning. Approximately one crore liters of recycled water are harnessed daily through 32 recycling plants. Moreover, rainwater harvesting units have been installed at 158 locations, and the establishment of three automatic coach-washing plants has further contributed to water conservation efforts. Additionally, Central Railways has undertaken extensive afforestation projects, planting five lakh trees across various sites to restore and sustain the local ecosystem.
The Vande Bharat Express trains, inaugurated in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have become integral to India’s rail network, serving over 40 routes across the nation. The maiden journey commenced on February 15, 2019, with Prime Minister Modi flagging off the inaugural train on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route. These trains operate at semi-high speeds and offer a host of contemporary amenities to passengers.
Passengers aboard the Vande Bharat Express can enjoy features such as WiFi connectivity, expansive glass windows offering panoramic views, enhanced footrests for added comfort, and spacious overhead racks to accommodate luggage, among other conveniences. The introduction of 500 ml Rail Neer bottles aligns with Indian Railways’ broader efforts towards sustainability and resource optimization, contributing to the conservation of water and promoting eco-friendly practices in railway operations.
In conclusion, Indian Railways’ initiative to provide 500 ml Rail Neer bottles on Vande Bharat trains underscores its commitment to environmental conservation and efficient resource management. By making this adjustment, the railways aim to minimize water wastage and promote sustainable travel practices while enhancing the overall passenger experience on these modern trains.
