Pune Metro to use ‘Bio Digester’ technology; signs MOU with DRDO

Akash Dhanurkar 

Pune Metro infrastructure development is in full swing even after getting affected with the lockdown, as reported by Dr. Brijesh Dikshit. 47% of the total work is completed, along side the development of 31 stations in the loop of Vanaz – Ramvadi and Pimpri Chinchwad MC to Swargate. As the work is speeding up, the Maha Metro has started working on toilet and other facilities. The Maha Metro and DRDE – DRDO has signed an MOU, under which Bio Digester will be installed at the station.  

Bio Digester, a technology that is used in Siachen Glacier, Nashik Metro and in all the new coaches of Indian Railways, will be used at the Metro stations. According to the information provided by the Director General, DRDO, Dr. H. K. Singh, the project is aimed at conserving water amid the rising scarcity of water. The waste that will enter the tank of the system will be digested due to the presence of inoculum bacteria, which has to be filled once a year. The project is said to be cost efficient and low on maintenance. The capacity of the tank that is used in the project varies according to capacity of the visitors to the metro station.  

The MOU was signed by Dr. DK Dubey, Director DRDE, and Atul Gadgil, Director of Maha-Metro Corporation Limited, Pune. 

While talking about the project, Brijesh Dikshit said, “The project is cost effective and environmental friendly because the water that will be filtered in the system will be re-used for floor cleaning, watering plants and in washroom facilities at the station. We are thankful to DRDO – DRDE for this project.”