'With green initiatives, railways is leading by example'

Sebi Joseph, Managing Director – Otis India, shares with us his views on the Railway Budget

 The Union Minister of Railways spoke about energy and sustainability being a major thrust area; are you happy with the announcements made in that domain?

We view this not only as a positive leap in the right direction but a progressive step. Being a major industry/ employer for the country, it is leading by example by introducing such green initiatives. Surely other industries and big corporates will follow in this direction. Effective use of natural resources will help reduce operational costs in the long run. The use of bio-diesel and bio-toilets, speaks of the railways approach to environmental consciousness.

While, the minister has spoken a lot about land-utilisation, there had been no mention of how Railways will push the agenda of green buildings within its own sphere of influence. What's your take?

I would like to think that the government is surely headed in that direction. To begin with the announcement of solar energy utilization, bio-diesel consumption and increase in bio-toilets is a step in that direction.

Railways will spend Rs. 120 Crores on lifts and escalators, how important is that change? And what are the key metrics that need to be borne in mind when the same is done?

This is important as it showcases the governments increase in focus toward providing people with basic conveniences and overall improving the quality and lifestyle of its citizens. It also provides a safe way to cross over platforms and acts as a deterrent in terms of people crossing the railway tracks.  Moreover it provides easy access to platforms for disabled people.

The key metrics to be considered are that elevators and escalators installed at stations need to be robust and heavy duty. This is because they carry a large load of people at fairly regular and close intervals. These units are also exposed to the elements – dust, pollution, rain, humidity and therefore it is necessary to make sure they are reliable.
 
Traffic and passengers flow is important. It defines the number of elevators, size, speed and position of the units at the stations. A full study of users flow is key to minimize and optimize the equipment installed.

Another important factor to keep in mind is the maintenance and service provided to these units once they are installed. The complete know how and quick turn-around times in the event a breakdown is essential to ensure that people are not inconvenienced for too long and that it does not bottle neck people traffic. 

There are also quite a few announcements on water conservation, right from harvesting to reuse. How would you rate the same?

As an organization that is working towards water conservation, particularly our manufacturing facility at Bangalore, news on such initiatives by big industries makes us feel that private and public are all moving in the direction of environmental consciousness. We are together all change –agents for the better.

Overall, if you had to pick out 3 highlights of this budget, what would they be?

I am absolutely delighted to hear about the following:

a) The green initiative is a change for the better and will provide a fillip for other industries and big corporations to follow suit.

b) The government's provision for foot-over bridges, escalators, lifts, etc. at all major stations is will help immensely in providing necessary conveniences to passengers.

c) I think it is great to see that safety and security has found a big mention in the budget. It is also heartening to see that the differently-abled and senior citizens have been factored in as well. 
 
Finally, are you happy with all the announcements made on the sustainability and green front, from solar panels to bio-toilets?
 
As mentioned above this is a welcome change for the better and will provide a fillip for other industries and big corporations to follow suit.

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