KOCHI: As part of promoting green initiatives, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) released two policy documents aimed at increasing its energy efficiency on Thursday, which also happened to be National Energy Conservation Day.The energy management policy with a long-term perspective aims to optimise power consumption by the Metro rail system and thereby reduce the cost of operation and maintenance. Trains are using regenerative-braking technology, which ensures that the braking energy of the trains is converted into electrical power.
The energy thus generated will be used to power AC and lights in trains.
According to KMRL officials, the new policies will enhance the efforts to generate similar green ideas.
The solar energy policy sets an abiding goal of energy neutrality with which KMRL generates all its power requirements from renewable energy sources.“The policies will provide directions to the employees for formulating plans and programmes,” said Thiruman Archunan, director (projects), who released the policy report during a function held at KMRL office.
KMRL is already implementing a solar rooftop project. The plan includes setting up of solar panels, which envisages an installed capacity of 4 MWp, on the roofs of Metro stations and depot buildings.
The project is being implemented under the renewable energy supply company model. Under this model, the vendor will invest nearly Rs 27 crore and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance. KMRL will buy power from the vendor.
The ministry of new and renewable energy has approved a subsidy of 15 per cent of the project cost. This means that the Central government will provide an assistance of Rs 4.8 crore. KMRL will purchase solar power at a cost of Rs 5.51 per unit for the next 25 years which, according to the officials, is the lowest rate for solar power being purchased by any Metro rail project in the country.
KMRL has launched an advertising campaign through social media to create awareness among the public on dos and don’ts in the trains. One of the ads warns travellers against causing disturbance to fellow passengers. The campaign against those who sit on the floor has sparked a serious debate on social media, with many Facebook users criticising the move. “Dear KMRL team, kindly remove these kinds of ads because the Metro is being used by people who have common sense. These kinds of ads portray a bad image of Kerala,” posted a Facebook user.