India’s railway sector has recently made news with the introduction of its first Aluminum Freight Rake, designated as 61 BOBRNALHSM1. The rake was inaugurated at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, marking a significant step forward in the country’s rail transport. Its introduction has several implications for the country’s transport sector, including boosting the Make in India program, reducing carbon footprint, cutting down on imports, consuming less energy, and aiding the achievement of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Boost to the Make in India Program
The Aluminum Freight Rake is another step towards the realization of the Make in India initiative as it is fully designed and developed within the country. The Railways teamed up with RDSO, HINDALCO, and Besco Wagon to create this indigenous product. The introduction of the rake signifies India’s capacity to develop advanced and efficient transportation solutions internally.
Reduction in Carbon Footprint
The new rake is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions owing to lower fuel consumption in empty directions and increased freight transportation in a loaded condition. A single rake can save over 14,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. The impacts will be even larger when scaled up — around 15 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year can be avoided if just 5% of the planned 2 lakh railway wagons are made of aluminum.
Lower Reliance on Imports
The iron industry requires substantial amounts of Nickel and Cadmium, much of which comes from imports. An increase in the use of Aluminum wagons will reduce the need for these imports, supporting the local aluminum industry in the process. This move is not only economically sound but also bolsters the nation’s efforts toward self-reliance.
Energy Efficiency and Durability
The new aluminum rakes are reportedly 180 tonnes lighter than their steel counterparts, which implies a decrease in energy consumption. In addition to being lighter, they also have a carrying capacity that’s 5% to 10% more than that of the steel rakes. Furthermore, they exhibit negligible wear and tear, enhancing their longevity and reducing maintenance needs.
Contributing to Net Zero Carbon Emission Goal
The introduction of the Aluminum Freight Rake aligns with the Indian Railways’ goal to achieve net zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. This ambitious vision aims at turning the Indian Railways into the world’s largest Green Railway. By reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy-efficient solutions, the new rake is a significant step toward achieving this goal.
Source: PIB