The earnest efforts by Vijayawada Railway station (VRS) in South Central Zone to reduce adverse environmental impact due to operation and maintenance work has paid handsome dividends. The station has earned the distinction of being awarded the highest Platinum Rating Certification as a Green Railway Station by the Indian Green Building Council.
Earlier the station was awarded the Gold Rating and now it has moved up the ladder.
VRS has several features that have entitled it for the Platinum Green Rating. It has effectively implemented passenger amenities like firmly fixed seating facility, booking office with seating and lighting, waiting halls, retiring and cloak rooms, lifts and escalators, snack kiosks and drinking water points at concourse and platforms while ensuring adhering to green norms.
The water fixtures including taps, showers, flush tanks and urinal flushers are installed with low water flow rate prescribed as per uniform plumbing code thus enabling water conservation. High pressure jet systems in coach washing have reduced water consumption while there are systems to treat waste water, reuse of waste water and monitoring of water.
There are 22 retiring rooms and 24 AC and 50 non-AC dormitories, five lifts and six escalators and three FOBs. On all platforms there are separate pay and use toilets for men and women where health and hygiene standards are maintained. Safe drinking water is available and no smoking restriction is strictly adhered to.
The station has a solid waste management plan, plastic free environment and day lighting. It has installed energy efficient measures like five-star rating electrical equipment, LED fixtures, BLDC fans, daylight sensors, energy monitoring, solar water heaters etc.
Green and smart initiatives like Wi-Fi facility, Smart Card ticketing, tourist information and booking centre, Automatic Ticket Vending Machine, food court, pharmacy, CCTV surveillance and Touch screen information kiosk etc ensure comfort of passengers.
Other amenities at the station include trolley-based system for luggage assistants, pickup and drop- off points for vehicles, child help desk and medical facilities.
For complaint and feedback there is Web based complaint, SMS based complaint, IVRS feedback system and MIS report.
IGBC, with the support of the Environment Directorate of Indian Railways has developed the Green Railway Stations Rating system to facilitate adoption of green concepts to minimise adverse environmental impacts.
Commending Vijayawada Division’s efforts, Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, SCR said: “This type of certification boosts the morale and confidence of the employees to strive hard further.”
