Kankaria becomes India’s first water

In a major push towards sustainable railway operations, the Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become India’s first ‘water-neutral’ railway depot, achieving significant water conservation through innovative wastewater treatment and reuse.

The depot now saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water – equivalent to more than 300 household tanks – by treating and recycling wastewater generated during routine coach washing and maintenance activities. The initiative marks a breakthrough in reducing dependence on freshwater resources in railway operations.

At the core of this transformation is the adoption of phytoremediation, an eco-friendly technique that uses plants to purify wastewater. Instead of discharging used water, the depot treats it through a scientifically designed multi-stage process and reuses it for operational purposes.

The system combines natural and advanced purification methods. Wastewater is first processed through wetland-based treatment, where plants absorb impurities and enhance water quality. In subsequent stages, the treated water undergoes carbon and sand filtration, followed by ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, ensuring it is safe for reuse.

The Ministry of Railways said the initiative not only contributes to environmental conservation but also reduces operational costs associated with water consumption. The system adheres to environmental standards, demonstrating that sustainability and compliance can go hand in hand.

With annual water savings estimated at around 5.84 crore litres, the Kankaria depot is being seen as a model for efficient water management within Indian Railways. The project reflects a broader shift towards greener infrastructure and highlights how traditional systems can be transformed through innovation.

In a major push towards sustainable railway operations, the Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become India’s first ‘water-neutral’ railway depot, achieving significant water conservation through innovative wastewater treatment and reuse.

The depot now saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water – equivalent to more than 300 household tanks – by treating and recycling wastewater generated during routine coach washing and maintenance activities. The initiative marks a breakthrough in reducing dependence on freshwater resources in railway operations.

At the core of this transformation is the adoption of phytoremediation, an eco-friendly technique that uses plants to purify wastewater. Instead of discharging used water, the depot treats it through a scientifically designed multi-stage process and reuses it for operational purposes.

The system combines natural and advanced purification methods. Wastewater is first processed through wetland-based treatment, where plants absorb impurities and enhance water quality. In subsequent stages, the treated water undergoes carbon and sand filtration, followed by ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, ensuring it is safe for reuse.

The Ministry of Railways said the initiative not only contributes to environmental conservation but also reduces operational costs associated with water consumption. The system adheres to environmental standards, demonstrating that sustainability and compliance can go hand in hand.

With annual water savings estimated at around 5.84 crore litres, the Kankaria depot is being seen as a model for efficient water management within Indian Railways. The project reflects a broader shift towards greener infrastructure and highlights how traditional systems can be transformed through innovation.