New Delhi, 8 March (IANS). In the last 10 years, the number of female loco pilots running train in the country has increased by about five times, which shows the increasing stake of women in the region as well as breaking conservatism. This is a major achievement for India.
According to government data, currently about 1,828 women loco pilots are working in Indian Railways by 2024, while the number was only 371.
According to the data, this surge which came in the last 10 years in the number of women loco pilots has been seen from different states. This number of women loco pilots from Uttar Pradesh has increased from 36 to 222. Similarly, the women’s loco pilot from Telangana has increased from 13 to 196 and 39 from Tamil Nadu to 180.
Women have entered areas like loco pilot, station master, trackman, signal maintenance, guard and gangman.
Currently, there are 1 lakh women employees in Indian Railways, about 8.2 percent of the total workforce.
In the last 10 years, the number of women station masters has also increased by about five times to 1,828.
Meanwhile, the government aims to achieve ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions for Indian Railways, for which a target has been set to complete 100 percent electrification in FY 2025-26.
To date, Indian Railways has signed an agreement for 4,260 MW (established) solar and 3,427 MW (established) wind power for its energy needs.
Indian Railways has already tied up for 1,500 MW renewable energy.
Apart from installing its own solar system, Indian Railways is also achieving solar energy through PPA system with developers.
By 2030, Indian Railways’ traction power requirement is expected to reach 10,000 MW.
According to Union Rail and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, till now it has achieved 4,260 MW installed solar capacity and 3,427 MW installed wind capacity to meet its energy needs.
Vaishnav has urged all states to contribute Indian Railways to contribute renewable energy (solar, wind, water or nuclear energy), emphasizing an associate approach for sustainable energy.
-IANS
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