L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL), the entity behind the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project, plans to fulfil 100% of its energy needs with solar power, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040 and water neutrality by 2035.
To achieve these objectives, L&TMRHL is actively engaging in carbon credit monetization through the ‘Global Carbon Council’, turning environmental responsibility into a financially viable model. The company aspires to secure platinum certification for all stations from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), according to K.V.B. Reddy, the chief executive officer and managing director.
Since its inception, the project has made substantial contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, it is estimated to have prevented approximately 88 million kilograms of CO2 emissions since 2018, a figure equivalent to planting over 88 million trees.
Reddy highlighted the environmental benefits of using the Metro system, noting that a 30 km journey emits 97% less CO2 than a car user and 98% less than a bus passenger.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, the project has constructed 155 strategic pits at stations and depots to capture rainwater, storing over 58,600 kiloliters annually. This harvested water is utilized for various non-potable purposes, reducing reliance on freshwater sources and promoting water conservation.
L&TMRHL has installed an 8.35 Mwp captive solar power plant across its depots and the rooftops of 28 stations, generating 10% of the Metro’s total power requirement. This move decreases dependence on conventional energy sources and further diminishes the carbon footprint.
Innovative technologies such as regenerative braking systems on Metro trains and elevators capture 40% of used traction energy, redistributing it back into the grid. This not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances sustainability by maximizing resource utilization.
Reddy emphasized their commitment to setting a new standard for green urban mobility by embracing clean technologies. He sees the Hyderabad Metro as more than just a transportation system; it symbolizes the city’s transformation into a sustainable and environmentally conscious urban hub.
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