Hindalco powers Indian Railways' low-carbon shift

As a priority sector, the Indian Railways' vision to be a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 will improve India's energy security (by reducing fossil fuel imports) while simultaneously enhancing the Railways' own long-term logistical and operational efficiency.

Switching to rakes made from aluminium – a light, strong, and infinitely recyclable metal – is one way to sustainably transform rail freight transport in India.

Hindalco, the metals flagship of Aditya Birla Group, is supporting the Indian Railways in its planned transformation into a green railway network. On October 16, 2022, India's Union Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, flagged-off India's first all-aluminium rake from Bhubaneswar station to Aditya Smelter in Lapanga, Odisha. As an indigenous innovation from Hindalco, this opens a new chapter in India's sustainable freight and passenger transport journey.

Consuming far less energy than a conventional rake, Hindalco's 61-wagon aluminium rake will save around 14,500 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.

The aluminium rakes are 180 tonnes lighter than regular steel rakes and can carry a 5-10% higher payload. Since a 100-kilogramme reduction in wagon weight translates into a lifetime CO2 saving of 8-10 tonnes, the 61-wagon rake will slash 14,500 tonnes over its life.

The all-aluminium rake is also corrosion-resistant, 100% recyclable, exceptionally durable and safe.

Besides being a remarkable feat of engineering, the rake was built entirely at Hindalco's facility in Hirakud, Odisha, making it a 'made-in-India' innovation.

Sustainable freight logistics is vital for the Indian Railways, which transports massive volumes of cargo every year. In FY2021-22, its freight loading volume touched a record 1278.8 million tonnes. Switching to aluminium wagons, which have lower energy consumption, can assist the Indian Railways' green ambitions. If these wagons comprise 15-20% of the 100,000 new wagons it plans to deploy, the Indian Railways could potentially reduce its annual CO2 emissions by around 2.5 million tonnes.

Aluminium rakes are also widely used in Metro rail systems worldwide due to their superior safety and logistical efficiency. To extend similar offerings to Indian travellers, Hindalco plans to participate in manufacturing aluminium coaches for high-speed passenger trains in the future.

The Indian Railways has already announced its plans to make aluminium-bodied Vande Bharat train sets. Hindalco is committed to bring in this revolutionary change in India and is engaged in discussions with the global partners to set up a conducive ecosystem in India.