As the decade advanced, the global urban population has increased by 5-6 percentage points, with approximately 56% of the world population now residing in cities. It is hard to miss that the pace of urbanization has not been sustainable at all and comes with severe changes. It therefore necessitates a significant need for sustainability in widening solutions to urban issues. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is an excellent model showing how public transport infrastructure not only a population’s flow but also the urban life of that community. It gives the world glimpses into comfortable, safe, reliable and walkable carbon-neutral cities focused on the citizens and the planet.

THE POWER OF WALKABLE CITIES

Walkability lies at the core of vibrant urban spaces, enabling people to access essential services and recreational areas on foot. Beyond convenience, it reduces reliance on private vehicles, cuts emissions, promotes healthier lifestyles, and fosters stronger communities, enhancing overall quality of life.

DMRC consistently demonstrates its commitment through station designs and multi-modal integration initiatives. The major hubs of Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar are great examples of TOD, where metro lines connect seamlessly with buses and other transport modes. Key walking and cycling routes, green spaces, and other sustainable choices make the surroundings of such stations accessible and convenient for walkers. These initiatives solve the problems of commuting and make the hubs functional in urban areas.

PAVING THE WAY FOR CARBON-NEUTRAL CITIES

Urban areas contribute over 70% of global CO2 emissions, making the transition to carbon-neutral cities an urgent priority. DMRC has embraced this challenge, showcasing how urban transit systems can lead the way in environmental responsibility.

Energy Efficiency: By adopting smart energy-saving technologies, such as regenerative braking, we reduce traction energy by up to 40%. Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems at stations and depots further enhance energy savings while ensuring passenger comfort.

Renewable Energy: We are at the forefront of renewable energy, with over 50 MW of solar panels powering our operations. Our agreement with the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Project further reduces fossil fuel dependency and minimizes our carbon footprint.

Green Buildings: Our IGBC Platinum-rated structures, like Metro Niketan, incorporate eco-friendly design elements such as natural lighting, efficient insulation, and water conservation systems, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban infrastructure.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

DMRC’s environmental initiatives extend beyond energy conservation and design. The organization takes a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, addressing waste management, water conservation, and ecological restoration.

Waste Management: By implementing measures to minimize, reuse, and recycle waste, we ensure proper management. Antismog guns and water sprinklers effectively control dust emissions at construction sites, while segregation efforts significantly reduce environmental impact.

Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting systems integrated into stations and depots capture and store rainwater, reducing dependence on municipal supply and replenishing groundwater.

Afforestation: For every tree removed during construction, we plant ten in its place. This proactive strategy maintains the city’s green cover, enhances biodiversity, and contributes to carbon sequestration.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, DMRC aims to source 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. Its Vision 2047 aligns with India’s goal of a “future-ready” nation, focusing on:

• Expanded Networks: Continuous expansion of the metro network to ensure widespread accessibility and alleviate road congestion.
• Integrated Transport Systems: Seamless connectivity between various modes of transport to enhance commuter convenience.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Adoption of advanced tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) to optimize project execution and resource management.
• Self-Sustainability: Developing strategies to generate internal resources, reducing dependence on external funding.

The plans tell of the emphasis DMRC strives to provide in urban transit make-safe-environmentalist and inclusive. In that sense, there is no limitation to immediate urban challenges being met, but one that reaches out far to satisfy future requirements.

RECOGNITION AND IMPACT

The DMRC has won several awards, including the Golden Peacock Environment Management Award and ISO certifications for environmental and occupational health management. These awards point to DMRC’s leadership in setting benchmarks for sustainable practices in urban transit.

Equally remarkable are the economic benefits of these initiatives. With less congestion, consumption of fuel, and pollutants in the atmosphere, DMRC has a major impact on the local economy. For instance, the savings realized through its environmental efforts in 2019 amounted to Rs. 5,286 crores. That’s a real-world example of the worth of sustainable urban transportation.

In keeping with the requirement of accessibility, DMRC is designing metro stations 500 meters to 1 kilometre apart in the future. The strategic spacing would ensure better lastmile connectivity with shorter distances for walking by the commuters. This plan shows that DMRC envisions cities where short distances would be covered by walking. It bridges the gap between public transport and residential or commercial zones to bring about a culture of convenience and sustainability.

Also Read: Threads of change in Kerala’s Water Tapestry

These changes comprehensively make DMRC’s journey a testimonial to sustainable urban transit that transforms the cities of the world. It represents the best way for walkable, carbon-neutral cities and communities as a new benchmark for infrastructure around the globe. The Delhi Metro’s story proves that visionary leadership and innovative practice can create people-friendly cities with the planet as a priority.

And so, as we make our way through the convolutions of urbanization, DMRC reminds us of what is possible when sustainability takes centre stage; we can build these cities that are not just smart but also resilient, inclusive, and green. Here’s a graph showing the shift from private transport to public transport over the last decade (2014–2024) in general trend and does not correspond to any specific location. It illustrates a declining trend in private transport usage and a corresponding rise in public transport adoption.

Views expressed by: Sekh Samim, Deputy Chief Architect/ Business Development, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, New Delhi

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