Mumbai Metro to go 'green' in a big way

Rooftop solar panels will be installed at 4 locations on MMOPL's depot, all 12 stations on Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line

As part of its second anniversary celebrations, Mumbai Metro One announced it will go "green" in a big way by harnessing solar energy, switching over to LED lights and other measures, an official said here on Tuesday.

A subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, the Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd (MMOPL) will exploit solar energy for meeting a part of its running needs, and switch over to LED (light-emitting diode) at all metro stations, its depots and administrative building to reduce electricity consumption.

Rooftop solar panels will be installed at four locations on the MMOPL's depot and at all the 12 stations on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line, which is the first metro railway serving Mumbai, connecting the eastern and western suburbs.

The initiative is a part of Mumbai Metro One's "Go green go clean" campaign launched to mark second anniversary, on Wednesday, of the 11.40 km long line.

The entire solar power generating system will have an installed capacity of 2.3 MW, out of which about 2 MW will be produced from the rooftop installations at stations and remaining from the panels set up at the depot.

The electricity generated from the solar panels will be utilized for non-traction use in activities like lighting, air-conditioning and maintenance.

Mumbai Metro's auxiliary power requirement for non-traction use is 6.9 MW, 30%of which will be met with solar energy once the system is up and running.

The work on setting up rooftop solar panels will begin soon and take about six months to complete, the spokesperson said.

A total conversion of all lighting at Mumbai Metro One's depot, administrative buildings and stations to LED lamps will also be undertaken simultaneously and is expected to cut the consumption on lighting by half.

"MMOPL is already an eco-friendly mode of transportation and provides the cleanest and safest ride to the commuters. As a responsible and conscientious mass rapid transport (MRT) utility, it is our endeavour to reduce our carbon footprint as far as possible. Our initiative to harness solar power for meeting a part of our electricity requirement is to reinforce our commitment to the green cause," the spokesperson added.

The company said it had taken a conscious decision to adopt green practices right at the stage of conceptualization.

The MMOPL's automatic wash plant utilizes about 1,200 litres of water for washing each train out of which, about 1,000 litres (85%) of water is collected and recycled for reuse. Only 200 litre of water (15%) is dispersed due to wind and high pressure jets that are used for cleaning.

It implemented an innovative design idea by installing the wash plant on an elevated ramp and locating the water recycle plant right underneath it, which adds to the efficiency of water collection.

MMOPL has also slashed its water consumption for cleaning inside train compartments by a whopping 90% from an earlier 200 litres to just 20 litres for each train.

"This was achieved through a durable epoxy coating on the train floors, which repels dust and dirt and is easier to wash. Due to the special floor coating, the train compartments do not require heavy washing any more," the spokesperson said.

By Wednesday, a whopping 18.30 crore commuters would have travelled on Mumbai Metro One in the past two years with maximum footfalls in Ghatkopar and a 99% punctuality rate.