Chennai Metro Rail Wins Global Awards for Environment and Sustainability

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) received global awards in 2025 for its environmental and sustainability initiatives, recognized at the Global Light Rail Awards in London. With energy-efficient systems and renewable energy adoption, CMRL sets a benchmark for urban transport in India, supporting net-zero goals.

CMRL won two awards on June 17, 2025, for ‘Environmental Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Sustainability Project of the Year’ at the Global Light Rail Awards. The awards commend CMRL’s 30% reduction in energy consumption through regenerative braking, LED lighting, and platform screen doors. Solar panels at 12 stations generate 7 MW, covering 10% of energy needs.

Phase II of the metro, spanning 118.9 km, integrates green design with rainwater harvesting and 25% renewable energy use. CMRL’s carbon footprint is 20% lower than conventional metro systems, aligning with India’s 2070 net-zero target. The project employs 15,000 workers, boosting local economies while prioritizing sustainability.

Challenges include high upfront costs for green technologies and grid reliance for 90% of energy. CMRL plans to scale solar capacity to 20 MW by 2028 and explore green hydrogen for auxiliary systems. The awards highlight CMRL’s role in decarbonizing urban transport, which accounts for 75% of India’s transport emissions.

Public awareness campaigns promote metro use, reducing car dependency. The Budget 2025-26’s focus on sustainable mobility, with tax cuts on EV components, complements CMRL’s efforts. However, sustained funding is needed to expand green infrastructure and ensure affordability.

Conclusion

Chennai Metro Rail’s global awards underscore its leadership in sustainable urban transport. By prioritizing energy efficiency and renewables, CMRL supports India’s climate goals. Scaling green technologies and public engagement will drive further decarbonization and resilience.

Source: DT Next,