The Kankaria Coaching Depot has become a water neutral railway depot through a wastewater treatment and reuse system. The facility now saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water every day by treating water used in coach washing and maintenance and reusing it for operational needs. This makes it a notable example of sustainable infrastructure in Indian Railways.
Water Neutral Railway Facility
The depot has reduced its dependence on freshwater sources by recycling wastewater within the premises. The daily saving is equivalent to more than 300 household tanks. Over a year, the conservation is estimated at around 5.84 crore litres of water. The project shows how railway depots can improve resource efficiency without affecting operations.
Phytoremediation-Based Treatment
A key feature of the system is phytoremediation, a natural method in which plants help purify wastewater. The process uses wetland-based treatment, where plants absorb impurities and improve water quality. This eco-friendly approach combines natural purification with technical filtration methods for effective reuse.
Multi-Stage Purification Process
The treated water passes through carbon filtration, sand filtration and UV disinfection before reuse. This ensures that the water is safe for operational activities. The system supports both environmental protection and cost reduction by lowering water consumption expenses. It also meets environmental compliance standards.
Significance for Indian Railways
The initiative reflects a wider shift towards greener railway operations and sustainable development. It demonstrates how transport infrastructure can adopt circular water management practices. The Kankaria Coaching Depot now serves as a model for water conservation, eco-friendly engineering and operational sustainability in the railway sector.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026