Visakhapatnam Railway Station Receives Platinum Green Certification
Visakhapatnam Railway Station, part of East Coast Railway, has earned the prestigious ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with the highest Platinum rating from the Global Green Building Council (GGBC). The award recognizes the station’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainable initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
Divisional Railway Manager, Waltair, Lalit Bohra, congratulated the team of officials for their sustained efforts in maintaining clean and green standards. He highlighted that the achievement reflects not just infrastructure upgrades—such as energy-efficient lighting, advanced water management systems, and enhanced landscaping—but also the active involvement of staff in daily sustainability practices.
“From careful waste segregation to monitoring energy use and promoting eco-friendly habits among passengers, every small step has contributed to this recognition,” Mr. Bohra said. He added that such collective responsibility sets a benchmark for other stations aiming to adopt green practices.
The Green Railway Station rating system, developed by the Environment Directorate of Indian Railways in collaboration with GGBC, evaluates stations on multiple sustainability criteria. These include water conservation, energy efficiency, scientific waste management, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, minimal use of virgin materials, and the promotion of health and well-being for both passengers and staff.
Officials noted that the Platinum certification also recognizes initiatives like rainwater harvesting, solar power utilization, efficient lighting systems, and green landscaping within the station. The Environment and Housekeeping Management wing of the Waltair Division led these efforts, coordinating across departments to ensure compliance with sustainable standards.
“This achievement shows that environmentally responsible practices can be successfully integrated into the operations of a busy railway station, setting an example for others across the country,” said a senior official. The award is expected to encourage wider adoption of green technologies and eco-friendly practices throughout the East Coast Railway network.