Marriage of infra, environment is way forward

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Annoying blaring sounds and smoke from long-distance trains are almost a thing of the past on Central Railway, with the upgradation to the Head on Generation (HoG) technology. According to officials, the system is not just less polluting, but also saves on cost.

The HoG system, which replaces the diesel locomotives, draws electricity from the overhead electric lines to run the train's air conditioning, lights, fans, etc. Over the past year, Central Railway (CR) modified the technology of all 63 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches of 58 trains. Only three-four trains remain to be modified. This means an end to the blaring sound and smoke at the stations, which cause noise and air pollution. It also means one less generator car and saving on diesel,a senior official has been cited as saying.

It is always great when officials in charge of public infra, be it commuting arms or other facilities think about the environment and work towards a cleaner, greener city.

It breaks the stereotype of public infrastructure projects and amenities and environment as mutually exclusive. It shows that saving the environment is not solely the domain of activists and alert citizens, on a perpetual warpath against governent officials pushing for development.

Here is a pleasing example of upgradation which, through technology, is a cost saver and much more energy efficient. We should surely aim for more such initiatives where green consciousness is woved into upgradation and overhauls.

While people may be aware of the adverse effects of air pollution, there is relatively less known about noise pollution, which also has debilitating effects on mind and body. Cutting out the blaring sound from long distance trains should be music for so many ears. More power to similar marriages between infra and environment.