New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), under the i-Metro initiative, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), organized the 5th International Conference on Green Metro Systems – The Future of Urban Mobility in New Delhi today. The event brought together policy makers, metro rail authorities, and sustainability experts to discuss innovations in eco-friendly urban transit solutions.
The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power, Manohar Lal, and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, alongside key officials from IGBC, Indian Metro corporations, and other stakeholders.
A key highlight of the conference was the inauguration of India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant, installed on the Metro Viaduct at Okhla Vihar Metro Station. This innovative project is designed to capture sunlight from both sides of the panels, utilizing the metro’s elevated structure for solar energy generation without occupying additional land.
Additionally, the Union Minister inaugurated a 1MW rooftop solar power plant at Khyber Pass Depot, further strengthening DMRC’s commitment to renewable energy integration. These initiatives mark a major step towards making metro rail systems more energy-efficient and self-sustaining.
Addressing the conference, Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the critical role of sustainable infrastructure in combating climate change. He highlighted that as the world faces rising temperatures and environmental degradation, India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 under the Paris Accord.
“Urbanization and industrialization have contributed to pollution, but projects like Delhi Metro have significantly reduced environmental impact, proving that infrastructure can be developed without compromising ecological balance,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of energy efficiency and transitioning to clean power sources, citing examples such as solar rooftop installations, regenerative braking in metros, and energy-efficient LED systems as key solutions for a greener urban future.
Metro rail networks across India are playing a crucial role in the green building movement by providing energy-efficient, low-emission public transportation. This has helped reduce urban pollution and traffic congestion, making cities more sustainable.
Many metro systems, including those in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune, have received IGBC Certification for their commitment to eco-friendly designs, use of green materials, and solar power integration. DMRC has been a pioneer in integrating solar energy into metro operations, setting a benchmark for other transit systems nationwide.
The Union Minister also highlighted that national initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, once doubted, have transformed India’s landscape, proving that collective efforts in cleanliness and sustainability can yield global recognition.
“Pollution reduction, water conservation, and eco-friendly mobility are not just the government’s responsibility but a shared duty of citizens, corporations, and policymakers. The way forward is clear—balancing progress with environmental responsibility to ensure a cleaner, healthier world for future generations,” he added.
With rapid urbanization and increasing demand for efficient public transport, India’s metro systems are evolving into global leaders in sustainable urban mobility. The discussions at the 5th International Conference on Green Metro Systems reaffirm the country’s commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability in urban transport.
