IGBC International Conference on Green Metro Systems Explores the Future of Sustainable Mobility

The Green Metro Systems Conference showcased cutting edge advancements in green technology, infrastructure and smart transit solutions. With the push for sustainability and environmental consciousness, the conference was an ideal platform to discuss strategies which are aimed at lowering carbon footprint, easing traffic congestion and vehicular pollution and enhancing urban living standards.

The Inaugural was graced by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power, Government of India; Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India; Dr Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC Ltd & Chief Executive Officer, i-Metro; Elisabeth Richter, Deputy Head of Economic Cooperation & Development, German Embassy; O H Pande, Chairman, ICGMS 2025 & Director (Electrical), DMRC Ltd; C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, CII Indian Green Building Council; K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre; and M Anand, Deputy Executive Director, IGBC.

Indian metro rail corporations are contributing to the green building movement by offering energy-efficient, low-emission public transportation thereby reducing urban pollution and traffic congestion. Many metro stations, throughout India, are designed with energy-efficient technologies and use solar power systems which help reduce energy consumption. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a pioneer in integrating solar power which helps meet a significant portion of its needs. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune, metro rail have also received IGBC Certification for their commitment to sustainable designs and the use of green material to further minimize their environmental impact.

Speaking at the conference, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power, Government of India said, “As humanity progresses, our innovations often clash with nature, bringing both advancement and risk. The rise in global temperatures beyond 1.5°C has become a cause for global concern, prompting nations to unite under agreements like the Paris Accord. India, too, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning its growth with sustainability. Urbanization and industrialization have increased pollution, but initiatives such as the Delhi Metro have significantly reduced environmental impact, demonstrating that thoughtful infrastructure can drive progress while protecting nature.

Energy efficiency and clean power are the need of the hour. Transitioning from thermal to renewable energy, utilizing solar rooftops, and implementing regenerative braking in metros exemplify the shift toward a greener future. Technological advancements, like vertical solar panels and energy-efficient LED systems, pave the way for sustainable urban living. Furthermore, responsible consumption—whether in air conditioning usage or minimizing wastage—can have a profound impact on energy conservation.

Swachh Bharat Mission was once mocked but has transformed India's landscape, proving that national efforts towards cleanliness and sustainability yield global recognition. Pollution reduction, water conservation, and eco-friendly mobility are not just governmental responsibilities but collective duties. The path forward is clear: balance progress with environmental responsibility, ensuring a cleaner, healthier world for future generations.”

The Green Metro Systems Conference also saw the inauguration of India’s first vertical bi- facial solar plant installation on Metro Viaduct and 1MW rooftop solar power plant installed at Khyber Pass depot. The bi-facial panels are designed to capture sunlight from both sides. It will take advantage of the metro’s elevated structure for solar energy generation without occupying any additional land. This is an innovative step in making metro rail operations more sustainable and contributes to renewable energy goals.

Addressing the conference, Dr Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC Ltd & Chief Executive Officer, i-Metro, said “Sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity in urban mobility. At DMRC, we are committed to green solutions—from renewable energy integration to energy-efficient operations—ensuring metro systems remain the backbone of a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient future for India. Through collaboration and innovation, we envision a metro network predominantly powered by renewable energy by 2030, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban transport.”

The CII Indian Green Building Council’s Green MRTS Rating System, applicable to Metro Rail Systems, is a comprehensive framework to evaluate the sustainability performance of metro rails in India. It evaluates multiple categories such as energy and water management, material and resources, integration of renewable energy sources such as solar power and enhances the commuter experience. The system also promotes accessibility and the integration of metro stations with other modes of public transport to enable a seamless urban mobility network. It is designed to promote environmentally responsible and energy-efficient practices in the design, construction and operations of metro rail systems and related infrastructure such as the Command-and-Control centre, Receivable Sub Stations, Depots and other ancillary facilities within the station.

Shri O H Pande, Chairman, ICGMS 2025 & Director (Electrical), DMRC Ltd, in his address spoke about “DMRC is more than just a metro system—it is a leader in sustainable urban transport, constantly innovating to integrate clean energy solutions. From rooftop solar initiatives to pioneering vertical bifacial solar plants, we are shaping a greener future not only for Delhi NCR but also inspiring cities across India to embrace sustainability as the way forward.”

The Green Metro Systems Conference also saw active participation from Bengaluru metro rail, Kochi metro rail and UP Metro rail. Shri Sushil Kumar Managing Director, UP Metro Rail Corporation; Shri Loknath Behera, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Corporation; and, Shri D R K Reddy Director (P&P), Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited participated in the panel on “Decarbonization And Green Transit Solutions for Healthy Cities.”

It is noteworthy that UP Metro Rail utilizes the latest in technology including driverless trains and advanced signalling systems. Kochi Metro is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, including the use of solar power to run portions of the metro stations and operations. Bengaluru Metro is designed to integrate seamlessly with other modes of public transport, such as buses and suburban rail systems. This multi-modal connectivity allows passengers to switch easily between different forms of transport, improving the overall efficiency of the city's public transport network.

Transit-oriented Development policies can significantly monetize metro rail networks giving them an added fillip. By leveraging increased accessibility and demand around transit hubs and transforming areas near metro stations into mixed-use development, increases property values and creates opportunities for developers and investors. Metro rail corporations can monetize these developments by selling or leasing land around metro stations, thereby securing long-term financial sustainability, balancing public service with revenue generation.

Shri C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, CII Indian Green Building Council in his address emphasized on “A truly sustainable metro system is more than just energy-efficient trains—it encompasses eco-friendly construction, renewable energy integration, and smart urban planning. By prioritizing sustainability, collaboration, and innovation, we can create metro networks that are not just transport corridors but symbols of a greener, more resilient future for India.”

The Conference also featured insightful panel discussions led by industry experts and policy makers. The discussion on Decarbonization And Green Transit Solutions for Healthy Cities explored strategies for reducing carbon footprints within urban transit systems thereby addressing the challenges and opportunities in creating resilient, healthy cities through sustainable metro and rail systems.

The session on Green Transit Solutions: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Resilience in Metro Systems focused on sustainable mobility and on emerging renewable trends and opportunities. Mr. M Anand, Deputy Executive Director, CII IGBC made a detailed presentation which emphasized India’s role in pioneering sustainability practices within metro rail systems. By implementing IGBC’s Ratings and integrating sustainability measures, Indian metro rail systems are accelerating India’s sustainable transport infrastructure.

The session Innovative Horizons: Transforming Metro Systems through Technology focused on green energy initiatives and Connecting Continents: Global Trends and Partnerships in Urban Mobility focused on India’s leadership in Environment practices adoption in transit system.