**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Railways has announced that the Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become India’s first "water neutral" facility, saving 1.60 lakh litres of water daily. Through the implementation of phytoremediation and a multi-stage purification system, the depot conserves approximately 5.84 crore litres of water annually. This initiative serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure, reducing freshwater dependence while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Water Conservation and Efficiency**
* Achieved "water neutral" status by saving 1.60 lakh litres of water per day, equivalent to over 300 household tanks.
* Conserves an estimated 5.84 crore litres of water annually by treating and reusing wastewater.
* Eliminates the discharge of wastewater by recycling it for routine activities like coach washing and maintenance.
* **Advanced Treatment Technology**
* Utilizes phytoremediation, an eco-friendly process that uses plants to naturally purify wastewater.
* Employs a scientifically designed multi-stage process, including wetland-based treatment to absorb impurities.
* Incorporates technical filtration methods such as carbon and sand filtration, followed by UV disinfection for safe operational reuse.
* **Environmental and Economic Benefits**
* Reduces dependence on freshwater sources, supporting broader resource conservation goals.
* Lowers operational costs by reducing expenditure on water consumption.
* Aligns with standards set by environmental authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Railways**
**Impact**
The initiative reinforces the commitment to greener operations and sets a benchmark for transforming traditional railway infrastructure into eco-friendly models.
**Action Required**
Adopt Kankaria Depot’s sustainable practices as a model for other facilities to enhance water management across the national network.
**Kankaria Coaching Depot Operations**
**Impact**
The facility has transitioned to a self-sustaining water cycle, significantly reducing its environmental footprint and operational costs.
**Action Required**
Maintain the multi-stage purification systems and ensure the continued use of treated water for all maintenance and washing activities.
**Environmental Authorities**
**Impact**
The project demonstrates successful adherence to environmental standards and supports national sustainability targets.
**Action Required**
Monitor the ongoing compliance and effectiveness of the depot's water-neutral operations to ensure standards are consistently met.
Key Entities Referenced
Kankaria Coaching Depot, Ahmedabad: India’s first water-neutral coaching depot that implements advanced wastewater treatment and reuse systems to reduce freshwater dependence.
Ministry of Railways: The primary governing body overseeing the transition toward greener railway operations and the implementation of sustainable infrastructure.
Phytoremediation: An eco-friendly, plant-based wastewater treatment technique used by the depot to purify water for reuse in coach washing and maintenance.
Ministry of Railways
Ahmedabad based Kankaria Becomes India’s
First Water Neutral Coaching Depot; Does the
Wonder by Using Plants to Purify Water
Depot Saves 1.60 Lakh Litres Daily through Wastewater
Treatment and Reuse, Reducing Freshwater Dependence
Kankaria Depot Promotes Environmental Protection and
Greener Railways through Eco-Friendly Phytoremediation
Technique and Advanced Multi-Stage Purification
Posted On: 17 APR 2026 6:13PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Kankaria Coaching Depot has emerged as a
‘water neutral’ Railway depot, showcasing how innovative practices can transform traditional railway
operations into eco-friendly models. The initiative highlights a major breakthrough in water conservation,
with the depot saving nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water - equivalent to over 300 household tanks - every day
through advanced treatment and reuse systems.
At the heart of this transformation is a modern wastewater treatment system based on phytoremediation, a
natural process where plants are used to purify water. The depot has successfully implemented this eco-
friendly technology to treat wastewater generated from routine activities such as coach washing and
maintenance. Instead of being discharged, the water is cleaned and reused, significantly reducing
dependence on freshwater sources.
The system follows a scientifically designed multi-stage process, combining natural and technical
methods to ensure effective purification. Using wetland-based treatment, plants play a crucial role in
absorbing impurities and improving water quality. In the final stages, the treated water undergoes carbon
and sand filtration along with UV disinfection, making it safe for reuse in operational activities.
This initiative not only supports environmental conservation but also delivers economic benefits by
reducing water consumption costs. The project aligns with the standards set by environmental authorities,
ensuring that sustainability and compliance go hand in hand.
With daily savings translating into an annual conservation of around 5.84 crore litres of water, the
Kankaria Coaching Depot stands as a model for efficient water management in Indian Railways. By
adopting such innovative and sustainable practices, it sets a strong example of how infrastructure can
evolve to meet the demands of environmental responsibility while maintaining operational efficiency.
The transformation of Kankaria Coaching Depot into a water neutral facility reflects a broader shift
towards greener Railway operations, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development and
resource conservation.*****
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj
(Release ID: 2253064) Visitor Counter : 299
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Gujarati , Kannada