New Delhi, March 9, 2017: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Thursday that the Railways had taken several green initiatives and would produce 1,000 MW solar energy.

Addressing a function to mark signing of Letters of Intent by Railway Ministry with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to formalise joint cooperation in environmental conservation, he said the priority of Railways was to reduce carbon footprints.

"Railway is already taking several green initiatives and is going to produce 1,000 MW solar energy. This joint co-operation will help Indian Railways in its green objectives," he said.

Representatives of Indian Railways and UNEP signed and exchanged Letters of Intent.

UNEP Executive Director Erik Solheim said that the focus of the partnership was on three main areas – waste management, reduction in water consumption and sustainable public procurement.

Officials said that Indian Railways, which carries 23 million passengers every day, has taken a number of steps towards water management, energy conservation, solid waste management and green buildings. (IANS)