Prayagraj Stations to Use Treated Wastewater for Train Washing
In a major boost to eco-friendly railway operations, the stations in Prayagraj are set to transition toward sustainable water usage. Both Prayagraj Junction and Subedarganj railway stations will soon utilize treated wastewater sourced from local Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for essential operational needs, specifically for the washing of trains.
New Infrastructure and Supply Logistics
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has formally instructed the Jal Nigam to establish a pricing structure for this treated wastewater. This move ensures that instead of relying solely on fresh water, the railways can tap into recycled resources for high-volume tasks.
The distribution plan has been clearly outlined to ensure efficiency:
- Prayagraj Junction will receive its treated water supply from the Rajapur STP.
- Subedarganj Station will be supplied by the Kodra STP.
To make this possible, significant infrastructure development is required. An estimated expenditure of ₹23 crore has been allocated to construct the necessary water supply pipeline to the Subedarganj station. Once operational, the project aims to supply a substantial 20 lakh liters of treated water to each of the two railway stations. Currently, the rural unit of the Jal Nigam is working to determine the specific rates charged per thousand liters for this service.
A Greener Policy for Uttar Pradesh
This initiative aligns perfectly with the broader policies of the Uttar Pradesh government, which emphasizes the large-scale reuse of treated wastewater across various sectors. State authorities have already issued directives to multiple departments—including the railways, various industries, and power plants—to integrate treated water usage into their standard operational action plans.
The success of this model in Prayagraj is expected to be a blueprint for other major cities. Similar wastewater reuse strategies are already being developed for Varanasi and Agra, aiming to maximize environmental efficiency and resource conservation across the state.
Strict Quality Monitoring
To ensure that the recycled water is safe and meets the required technical standards for railway operations, all participating STPs will be closely monitored via the 'Ganga Pulse Portal'. This digital oversight ensures that the output remains consistent with environmental and operational guidelines. Moving forward, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will continue to identify new potential users for treated wastewater to further enhance the efficiency of the state's water management systems.