PUNE (Metro Rail News): The Maha Metro’s Pune Metro Rail Project has been honoured with the highest rating of the prestigious ‘Project Award for IGBC’, Platinum Rating for the 07 Elevated stations, namely ‘PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Bhosari, Kasarwadi, Phugewadi, Dapodi, Bopodi. Platinum certification is the highest recognition from the various categories of IGBC awards. Pune Metro received the IGBC certification on 19th February 2024.
Pune Metro Rail Project consists of the North-South Corridor (Purple line) and the East-West Corridor (Aqua line), totalling 33.2 km and 30 stations. The elevated section is 27.2 km, and the underground section is 6 km. 23.66 km is currently open for public use, and work on the remaining 9 km stretch is in full swing.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was formed in 2001. It serves as India’s premier certification body and is headquartered in Hyderabad. Additionally, IGBC is one of the five countries represented on the World Green Building Council board, where it engages in discussions on global issues at COP and similar global platforms. The threshold criteria for certification/pre-certification levels are as follows: certified, recognised as best practice; Silver, acknowledged for outstanding performance; Gold, recognised for national excellence; and Platinum rating, recognised as global leadership, representing the highest certification level awarded by IGBC. IGBC acknowledges Green New Buildings that achieve one of the rating above levels with a formal letter of certification and a mountable plaque.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has launched the IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) rating to encourage green concepts in the design, construction & operation of all new Rail-based MRTS projects. The rating system helps to address National priorities like conserving natural resources, demand-side energy & water efficiency, adopting renewable energy, managing waste and commuter health & comfort. 07 Elevated stations of Pune Metro Rail, namely ‘PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Bhosari, Kasarwadi, Phugewadi, Dapodi, and Bopodi, were evaluated according to this system and the Final Rating were then given.
In addition to these seven stations, evaluations for other stations, namely Vanaz, Anand Nagar, Ideal Colony, Garware College, Deccan Gymkhana, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Udyan, PMC, Mangalwar Peth, Pune Railway Station, Ruby Hall Clinic in Line 2, and Shivaji Nagar Metro Station and Civil Court Metro Station in Line 1, are currently in progress. In the future, all Metro Lines 1 and 2 stations will be eligible for the IGBC’s topmost rankings.
The IGBC organised the assessment into six environmental categories, as defined by the IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System Rating. These categories include Site Selection and planning, Water Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Material Conservation, Indoor Environment and comfort, and Innovation in Design and construction. After successfully evaluating all categories, the Pune Metro received the IGBC Platinum certification.
Maha Metro has consistently embraced environmentally friendly practices from the project’s conceptualisation to its implementation. Beginning at the pre-design stage, adopting low-carbon concepts has been integral to every construction phase. Initiatives such as using fly ash bricks, ensuring the adequate disposal of construction and demolition waste, creating airy and comfortable interiors, incorporating energy-efficient designs, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and extensively utilising solar energy exemplify Maha Metro’s commitment to sustainability. Elaborate landscaping efforts beneath the Pune Metro viaduct further contribute to a holistic approach that significantly reduces energy consumption and the carbon footprint throughout the project’s construction and operational phases.
Also, the Pune Metro project has implemented many measures to minimise the negative impacts of construction activities on the environment. This includes preserving topsoil, implementing wheel washing facilities, and managing waste and pollution effectively. Adequate facilities include personal protective equipment, first-aid and emergency, and sanitation facilities.
Additionally, the project emphasizes seamless integration with other modes of transport, like bus terminals and railway stations, to facilitate commuters’ easy connectivity. Plans for feeder bus services, bicycle parking spaces, and the promotion of alternative fuel vehicles further enhance intermodal commuter transport. Moreover, the project strongly emphasises preserving trees and enhancing vegetation, as evidenced by the extensive tree survey conducted, compensatory afforestation efforts, and native vegetation planning.
Various measures are also in place to mitigate the urban heat island effect and promote energy efficiency through eco-friendly refrigerants, solar PV systems (Current capacity is 4300 KWp and generating daily average electricity of 20,000 KWh), and efficient water fixtures. Waste management, materials with recycled content, and local sourcing further contribute to the project’s sustainability goals. Additionally, green education, indoor air quality monitoring, and innovation in design and construction underscore the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
The Pune Metro Rail Project’s achievement of the IGBC Platinum Rating for environmental excellence underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainable development. The project sets a benchmark for green initiatives in mass transit systems, from embracing environmentally friendly practices during conceptualisation to implementing innovative solutions throughout construction and operation. With its comprehensive approach encompassing various environmental categories, the Pune Metro enhances the commuter experience and prioritises the preservation of natural resources and the community’s well-being. As the project evolves, its dedication to sustainability serves as a model for future urban transportation endeavours, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
Discover the endless possibilities of our city’s Metro at InnoMetro, our flagship Expo and Conference. Be an active participant in shaping its future towards a more sustainable tomorrow. Stay informed and join us to take a step towards a brighter future.
