The sizeable amount of garbage collected from Howrah station may actually help the Indian Railways to earn carbon credits. If things go according to plan, Eastern Railway may soon start converting the garbage to gas and then electricity.
According to an ER official, nearly 35 cubic metres of garbage is generated daily from the station. The two nearby railway colonies generate another 28 cubic metres. Together, this garbage may generate enough gas and electricity to meet some energy requirement at the station. Both ER and South Eastern Railway have started using energy-efficient devices at all locations. ER also uses a locomotive that runs on bio-diesel.
The project is estimated to cost nearly Rs 5 crore. Three organisations, including the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Authority, have already been contacted by ER.
