MoU between India, USAID to help Railways achieve net-zero emissions

The Union Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an MoU signed between India and USAID/India to help the Indian Railways achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030.

A press statement issued by the Indian Railways on Friday said the Cabinet was apprised of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/India on June 14, 2023.

The MoU states that the Indian Railways and USAID/India will jointly work for long-term energy planning, including clean energy for the Indian Railways.

They will develop an energy efficiency policy and action plan for Indian Railways buildings and plan for clean energy procurement to achieve its net-zero vision.

Besides, the MoU will focus on supporting the Indian Railways in the promotion of e-mobility and collaboratively hosting events, conferences, and capacity-building programmes in the identified areas.

According to the Railways, the MoU will help reduce its dependence on imported fuel such as diesel and coal, among others.