A report published in early 2021 highlighted that aluminium is becoming a strategic sector for India and improving cost efficiency in the transportation sector. Previously, a 2018 NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) report claimed that aluminium would help India stay true to the CO2 emission norms. Cut to 2022- India, along with one of the leading aluminium manufacturers, has already started its journey to environmental sustainability. Niti Aayog serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India and advice the centre and states on policy matters.
India is looking at revolutionizing freight transportation, and Hindalco, with its aluminium goods train rakes, has sped up the mission in October 2022. In mid-October, the new 61-wagon was flagged off from Bhubaneswar, Odisha; the Union Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics, and Information technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, was all praises for this addition by the iconic Indian Railways.
Boosting the ‘Make in India’ mission of the Indian Government, this freight rake takes pride in being wholly indigenous and made collectively by Besco Limited Wagon Division and Hindalco. But what makes it unique, and why could this be a crucial step towards further modernizing the Indian Railways? The answer lies in the use of a metal that is 100% recyclable and hence, makes the rakes environmentally sustainable.
How will aluminium freight rakes help Indian Railway reduce its carbon footprint?
Aluminium rakes will be a game changer for the Indian Railway. If different sources are to be trusted, then the metal brings ample benefits to the Indian Railway sector, some of which are listed below. A common term for Indian Railways is that it serves as the 'transport lifeline of the nation' and is the fourth largest network in the world.
- 1. Lightweight: The aluminium rake is incredibly lighter than its steel predecessors, 180 tonnes, to be precise. Therefore, it can travel faster as well as consume less power for the same distance.
- 2. More capacity: Besides being lightweight, these rakes are sturdy and have the capacity to carry more freight. The carrying capacity is believed to be 5 to 10%more than the steel rakes.
- 3. Recyclable even after three decades: Aluminium is hailed as a green metal for its recycling capabilities. It is reported that the new aluminium rakes will be 100% recyclable after 30 years. Moreover, they are corrosion-free and will look as good as new for extended periods.
- 4. Reduced carbon dioxide emission: Aluminium is also in high demand as it reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Each aluminium rake is likely to reduce emissions by 1500 tonnes every year. In its lifetime, the rake is estimated to save 14500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
- 5. Reduced other greenhouse gas emissions: The experts believe aluminium rakes will also inhibit greenhouse gas emissions and diminish the rate of climate change.
- 6. Sustainability through innovation:The Central Government has planned to launch 200,000 railway wagons. A report estimates that if only 5% of these wagons are made from aluminium, it saves up to 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year.
According to a recent report, the Indian Railways wishes to be the most significant green railway globally by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. With collective efforts from the government and aluminium majors, India can surely achieve its mission and leverage the capabilities of aluminium effectively in the freight sector.
The future of freight transportation and railway in India:
It is expected that the Indian freight sector will grow at a CAGR of more than 7% by 2050, up to 15 billion tonnes, and it is only a matter of time before aluminium will essentially become a part of it. India is looking to expand the sector by numbers and make it sustainable, energy-efficient, and eco- friendly.
It is also believed that Hindalco is looking forward to manufacturing aluminium coaches for the Indian Railways. While aluminium dominates the trains in western countries like Europe, the UK, and Japan, it will not be long before India boasts aluminium trains and lesser carbon footprints.
