A deliberate effort is being made by Indian Railways (IR) to attain Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. IR has developed a multifaceted strategy.

Indian Railways is implementing a number of initiatives as part of its effort to minimize carbon footprints. In keeping with this, on June 14, 2023, Indian Railways, the Government of India, and the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on renewable energy and energy efficiency. In the presence of Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Shri Naveen Gulati, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways, and Ms. Isabel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID, signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

The United States government’s USAID agency promotes global development and furthers its mission goals by promoting clean energy, global health, democracy, agriculture and trade, climate change adaptation and mitigation, international development, and humanitarian aid.

The MoU would give Indian Railways technical support and assistance. The following areas are included in the MoU generally, but not exclusively:
Long-term energy planning for Indian Railways should include clean energy.
Create an action plan and policy for IR buildings’ energy efficiency.
To reach Indian Railways’ net-zero goal, procurement planning for clean energy is necessary.
technical assistance for removing implementation and regulatory obstacles.
Support for bid design and management is provided for system-friendly, extensive renewable energy procurement.
assisting Indian Railways in an e-mobility promotion.
Host events, conferences, and programs to improve capacity in the aforementioned areas, including domestic and international field trips and study tours.
Indian Railways’ partnership with USAID, India will significantly contribute to the company’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.