Kolkata: In a momentous occasion, Milind K Deouskar, General Manager, Eastern Railway, graciously accepted the prestigious Green Building Gold Certification for the Sealdah Railway Station Building from officials of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The Sealdah Railway Station building has been awarded the esteemed gold rating for its exemplary utilization of renewable energy, efficient water management, minimal environmental footprint, effective waste management practices, and provision of top-notch passenger amenities, among other commendable criteria.
The origins of Sealdah Station can be traced back to the mid-19th century when the British colonial administration initiated the construction of railways in India. The station was named after Frederick William Stevens, the then Governor-General of British India, who held the title of Lord Sealdah. Sealdah Station was officially opened to the public on December 2, 1862, as part of the Eastern Bengal Railway network. Over the years, Sealdah Station underwent several phases of renovation and expansion to meet the growing passenger traffic and accommodate the increasing number of trains. It evolved from a simple terminal into a sprawling transportation hub with multiple platforms, ticket counters, waiting areas, and other amenities.
Sealdah Railway Station stands as a beacon of history and significance within the Indian Railway network, boasting a daily footfall of approximately 12 Lakhs. Managing such a massive influx of passengers while upholding environmental integrity poses a formidable challenge. Sealdah Station continues to be a lifeline for the residents of Kolkata and the surrounding areas. It witnessed further modernization efforts and technological advancements aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Eastern Railway believe in adoption of green concepts in station premises to significantly contribute to environmental sustainability & enhancement of passengers experience. At Sealdah station the Green initiatives are being implemented in consultation with Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The IGBC Green Railway Stations Rating System is based on a set of criteria covering various aspects of sustainable design, construction, and operation. These criteria encompass key areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, and passenger comfort.
The Green Ratting of IGBC is based on the initiatives assessed in several modules and Sealdah station has scored outstanding in each of the modules.
A brief description of green score card of Sealdah station is as follows:
The IGBC Green Railway Stations Rating System is based on a set of criteria covering various aspects of sustainable design, construction, and operation. These criteria encompass key areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, and passenger comfort.
Achieving IGBC Green Railway Stations certification offers several benefits, including:
Environmental Sustainability: Certified stations demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint through energy and water conservation, waste management, and other sustainable practices.
Cost Savings: Implementing green building measures can lead to long-term cost savings through reduced energy and water consumption, lower operational expenses, and improved resource efficiency.
Enhanced Passenger Experience: Green railway stations prioritize passenger comfort and well-being by providing amenities such as improved ventilation, natural lighting, and green spaces.
Social Responsibility: By adopting sustainable practices, railway stations contribute to the overall well-being of the community and promote a culture of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
As Sealdah Railway Station embarks on a new chapter with its IGBC Gold certification, it reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, while preserving its historical significance and continuing to serve as a vital artery of the Indian Railways network.
General Manager/Eastern Railway congratulated DRM/Sealdah and the entire officers and staff of Sealdah Division for achieving such prestigious green rating for Sealdah station.
