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New Delhi:

The government aims to achieve net zero emission in rail operations by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, he highlighted his government’s efforts towards environment protection in various fields with a focus on rail operations.

“We are aiming to achieve net zero emission by 2030 in Railways,” said the prime minister.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written statement in the Lok Sabha recently, provided details of his ministry’s initiatives to achieve the ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030’ target.

According to Vaishnaw, Indian Railways is working on the target with a multi-pronged approach of a shift from diesel to electric traction, procurement of renewable energy and implementation of energy efficiency measures.

These efforts are “expected to give a fillip to renewable energy technology in the country and will also result in reduced dependence of the Indian Railways on imported fuel such as diesel, coal etc,” he said on July 24 while answering questions raised by BJP MP Bhola Singh.

To Singh’s question “whether the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) for supporting Indian Railways to achieve Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030”, Mr Vaishnaw said, “To keep abreast with others in these areas, IR (Indian Railways) enters into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various countries.” “On similar lines, an MoU was signed between IR, Government of India and United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) on 14th June, 2023,” he had added.

According to Vaishnaw, the MoU, inter-alia, includes different areas of cooperation such as long-term clean energy planning and procurement; development of energy efficiency policy; technical support for addressing regulatory and implementation barriers; and capacity building programmes.

“The scope of the USAID MoU is in line with the already planned and ongoing works of deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures over IR. This MoU is effective for a period of five years or until the effective end of the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) program of USAID/India,” the railway minister had said.

In response to another question in Rajya Sabha on July 26 about the development of environment-friendly fuel for railway operation, Vaishnaw said, “Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) formed to explore alternate fuel in Indian Railways. It has promoted the use of blended bio-diesel and partial substitution of diesel with CNG and LNG for traction purposes.”

“A pilot project for retro-fitment of hydrogen fuel cell on Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake for traction purpose has also been taken up. Twenty-six diesel power cars of DEMU rakes have been converted with CNG-based propulsion system,” he had added.
 

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today delivered his longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes as he addressed the country from the Red Fort. PM Modi’s Independence Day speeches average 82 minutes – longer than any other prime minister in India’s history.

Here are five big highlights from PM Modi’s speech: 

1. Women’s Safety

PM Modi, in a veiled attack on the West Bengal government over the rape and murder of a doctor at a Kolkata hospital, said he feels the outrage in society over atrocities against women.

“There is public outrage over atrocities against our mothers and sisters. I feel this outrage. The country, the society, our state governments need to take this seriously. Crimes against women must be probed as soon as possible, those involved in demonic acts must face strict punishment at the earliest, this is necessary to create faith in society,” the PM said. 

2. Uniform Civil Code

PM Modi made an unequivocal pitch for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which he referred to as a “secular civil code.” He argued that the current civil code is “communal” and fosters discrimination by dividing the country along religious lines. “A secular civil code in the country is the need of the hour,” he declared, calling it the spirit of the Constitution and a step towards national unity. 

3. Bangladesh

Addressing regional stability, PM Modi expressed concern over the political unrest in Bangladesh, particularly the safety of Hindu minorities. He reiterated India’s commitment to peace and prosperity in its neighbouring country, hoping for the swift restoration of normalcy. “As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest,” PM Modi said. “The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there – India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace.”

4. Reforms 

PM Modi reiterated his government’s dedication to sweeping reforms, which he described as essential for India’s growth.  “There was an environment of status quo. We had to break that mindset. The common man wanted change, but his dreams were not appreciated and he kept waiting for reforms. We implemented big reforms, for the poor, the middle class, deprived sections of the society and youth,” the Prime Minister said.

5 One Nation, One Election

PM Modi also made a fresh pitch for ‘one nation, one election’ and said extensive consultations have been held across the country on the issue.

“Frequent elections are creating hurdles in the progress of the nation. It has become easy to link any scheme/initiative with elections. There are elections somewhere every three to six months. Every work is linked to elections,” PM Modi said. “The nation has to come forward for one nation, one election.”