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Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates India’s First Aluminum Freight Rake
The rake is developed under the Make in India program as it has been fully designed and developed indigenously in collaboration with Hindalco, RDSO and Besco Wagon
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Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday inaugurated India’s first aluminum freight rake - 61 BOBRNALHSM1 at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
The rake is developed under the Make in India program as it has been fully designed and developed indigenously in collaboration with Hindalco, RDSO and Besco Wagon.
Flagging off the new 61-wagon which will carry coal for Hindalco’s Aditya Smelter in Lapanga, Odisha, Vaishnaw said, "This is a proud moment for the country and our drive for indigenisation as these lightweight aluminium wagons are a big innovation for Indian Railways."
"These wagons save 14,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions, have more carrying capacity, consume less energy and are corrosion-resistant. They are 100 per cent recyclable and even after 30 years, they will be as good as new. These aluminium wagons will enable us to achieve our climate goals," he added.
The bottom discharge aluminium freight wagon, specifically designed to carry coal, is tipped to reduce the carbon footprint measurably. For every 100 kg weight reduction of the wagon, the lifetime CO2 saving is 8-10 tonnes. This translates to a saving of more than 14,500 tonnes of CO2 for a single rake.
With the Railways planning to deploy more than one lakh wagons in the coming years, the potential annual CO2 reduction could be to the tune of over 25 lakh tonnes, with 15 - 20 per cent shift to aluminium wagons.
"The launch of the India’s first aluminium freight rake is a testimony to our capability and commitment to offer smart and sustainable solutions for nation building. Hindalco is steadfast in bringing together the best of global technologies with local resources to make Indian Railways’ logistics more efficient and contribute to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat," said Satish Pai, Managing Director, Hindalco Industries.
The freight sector in India is expected to grow at more than 7 per cent CAGR to 15-billion tonnes by 2050, with the energy-efficient and eco-friendly Railways expected to notably increase its volume share from the current 18 per cent.
Hindalco is also planning to participate in manufacturing aluminium coaches for high-speed passenger trains.