Kankaria coach maintenance depot turns water-neutral with eco-friendly treatment plant

The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has implemented an environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment system, significantly reducing its dependence on fresh water and easing pressure on groundwater resources.

The initiative, introduced by Western Railway, uses a phytoremediation-based treatment plant to recycle wastewater generated at the depot. Officials said the facility has effectively made the depot ‘water neutral’, meaning the water used is treated and reused on-site.

The plant is capable of treating around 1.60 lakh litres of contaminated water daily, which is then reused for coach washing and other operational purposes. As a result, the depot is estimated to save approximately 5.84 crore litres of water annually.

Phytoremediation involves the use of plants and natural biological processes to purify wastewater. Earlier, untreated water from the depot was discharged into drains, but it is now being recycled efficiently, reducing environmental impact.

According to railway officials, the system works in multiple stages. Initially, wastewater is filtered to remove solid waste before being stored in a tank for primary treatment. It is then passed through constructed wetlands, where plants and natural processes help break down impurities.

The partially treated water is further purified using carbon and sand filtration systems. In the final stage, ultraviolet (UV) treatment is used to eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring the water is safe for reuse.