IIT-K Metro Station Receives National Award for Power Conservation
Kanpur, India – The IIT Kanpur Metro Station has been honored with a prestigious ‘Certificate of Merit’ for its outstanding performance in energy conservation. This accolade was presented by Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, during the National Energy Conservation Day ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The award was received by Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.
Recognition of Energy Efficiency Efforts
The IIT Kanpur Metro Station was recognized for its exemplary efforts in reducing energy consumption during metro operations and for adopting best-in-class energy-efficient practices. The National Energy Conservation Awards are conferred by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which operates under the Union Ministry of Power. This award highlights the commitment of UPMRC to sustainable practices and energy efficiency.
Previous Awards
It is noteworthy that in previous years, the Lucknow Metro, managed by UPMRC, was also recognized for its energy conservation efforts, receiving the First Prize and Certificate of Merit in the Metro Railway Sector in 2019 and 2021, respectively. These accolades underscore UPMRC’s consistent excellence in energy conservation.
Significant Energy Reduction Achievements
Sushil Kumar expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This honour reflects UPMRC’s consistent excellence in energy conservation. Since its inception, Uttar Pradesh Metro has achieved nearly a 39 percent reduction in energy consumption through various initiatives, resulting in annual savings of around 7 million units of electricity, which translates to approximately Rs 5 crore per year.” He further noted that these efforts have led to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, positioning Uttar Pradesh Metro as a strong and green role model in environmental conservation.
Innovative Practices for Energy Efficiency
The IIT Kanpur Metro Station has implemented several key innovations and practices aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. These include:
- Regenerative Braking: Utilized in metro trains and lifts to recover energy during braking.
- Variable Voltage Variable Frequency (VVVF) Drives: Deployed in all lifts, escalators, air handling units (AHUs), and chillers to optimize energy use.
- LED Lighting: Installed at stations from the project inception stage to reduce energy consumption.
- Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems: Equipped with carbon dioxide sensor-based controls to maintain air quality while conserving energy.
- Operational Measures: Includes setting equipment room temperatures at metro stations to 27–28°C instead of the conventional 24°C, and optimizing chiller plant operations based on ambient conditions.
- Energy Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of all load points to ensure efficient energy usage.
- BMS/Timer-Controlled Lighting Systems: To minimize unnecessary energy consumption.
- Low-Speed Operation in Escalators: Implemented to conserve energy during low-traffic periods.
Advancements in Renewable Energy
In addition to these energy-efficient practices, UPMRC is actively working towards the adoption of renewable energy sources to further reduce dependence on the utility grid. As part of this initiative, rooftop solar power plants have been installed at metro depots and stations, providing a total solar capacity of 4.41 MW. Furthermore, an additional 5 MW of rooftop solar capacity is currently under development across metro stations and depots in Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
Conclusion
The recognition of IIT Kanpur Metro Station for its energy conservation efforts is a testament to the commitment of UPMRC towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. By implementing innovative technologies and practices, the metro station not only enhances its operational efficiency but also contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy usage. This award serves as an inspiration for other public transportation systems to adopt similar energy-efficient measures, ultimately benefiting the environment and society as a whole.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates available as of December 15, 2025.
