Kankaria becomes India’s first water-neutral railway depot

The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become India’s first ‘water-neutral’ railway depot, setting a benchmark in sustainable water management. 

Key Achievement

The depot conserves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily, equivalent to over 300 household tanks, by treating and reusing wastewater generated during coach washing and maintenance. 

Innovative Technology Used: At the core of this initiative is Phytoremediation, an eco-friendly method that uses plants to remove contaminants and purify wastewater. 

Treatment Process: The depot follows a multi-stage purification system:

• Wetland-based treatment using plants to absorb impurities
• Carbon and sand filtration for further cleaning
• Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to ensure safe reuse

Impact: Reduces dependence on freshwater resources

• Saves approximately 5.84 crore litres of water annually
• Promotes sustainable and cost-effective railway operations

Significance: This initiative positions the Kankaria depot as a model for water conservation in Indian Railways, demonstrating how eco-friendly technologies can be integrated into large-scale infrastructure systems.