Ahmedabad Rail Depot Becomes Water-Neutral with Green System

The Kankaria Railway Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has emerged as a ‘water-neutral’ railway depot, demonstrating that innovative practices can transform traditional railway operations into an environmentally friendly model.

This initiative highlights a major success in water conservation, as the depot saves approximately 1.60 lakh liters of water daily through advanced treatment and reuse systems - equivalent to more than 300 household tanks.

The core of this transformation is an advanced wastewater treatment system based on phytoremediation, which is a natural process that uses plants for water purification.

The depot has successfully implemented this eco-friendly technology to treat wastewater generated from routine activities such as coach washing and maintenance.

Instead of being discharged, the water is cleaned and reused, significantly reducing dependence on fresh water sources.

‘Water neutral’ system

This system follows a scientifically designed multi-stage process built on a combination of natural and technological methods to ensure effective purification.

Using wetland-based treatment, plants play a crucial role in absorbing impurities and improving water quality.

In the final stages, the treated water undergoes carbon and sand filtration along with UV disinfection, making it safe for reuse in operational activities.

Phytoremediation

It is a bioremediation process that uses living organisms such as plants, microalgae, and seaweed to remove toxic heavy metals from soil.

Compared to other techniques used for removing toxicity from soil, it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method.

Indian Railway manufacturing units

Indian Railways operates several major manufacturing units (production units) and workshops to build and maintain its locomotives, coaches, and wheels.

Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, TN: Established in 1955, it is one of the oldest and largest coach manufacturing units.

Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab: Produces various types of passenger coaches.

Modern Coach Factory (MCF), Raebareli, UP: Specializes in manufacturing high-speed LHB coaches.

Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), Chittaranjan, WB: Manufactures electric locomotives.

Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, UP: Produces electric and earlier diesel engines.

Rail Wheel Factory (RWF), Bengaluru, Karnataka: Manufactures wheels and axles.

Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (PLW), Patiala, Punjab: Focuses on modernization and rebuilding of locomotives.

Marathwada Rail Coach Factory, Latur, Maharashtra: Specializes in manufacturing coaches for Vande Bharat trains.

Jamalpur Workshop, Bihar: Established in 1862, it is one of the oldest locomotive maintenance workshops. Rail Wheel Plant, Bela, Bihar: Manufactures wheels for freight wagons and coaches.