Techno-Economic Assessment of Decarbonisation of Indian Railways: An Integrated Fuzzy DEMATEL–AHP–TOPSIS Framework

Abstract

As global energy consumption surges, the imperative for energy efficiency and the shift towards sustainable energy sources intensifies, particularly in the context of fossil fuel reliance and its environmental ramifications. This paper examines the potential for Indian Railways as significant player in the transportation sector, to adopt low-carbon energy solutions to meet increasing energy demands. This study uses cost-benefit analysis to assess the viability of adopting low carbon energy options. Sensitivity analysis is used to verify the robustness. To achieve sustainability targets, Indian Railways must make the shift to low-carbon energy alternatives. Further, an integrates d Fuzzy, DEMATEL-AHP-TOPSIS Frame has been applied as a remedy to the uncertainty and interdependence among different decarbonization influencing factors such as economic, technical, environmental, institutional and operational.

The causal relationships are identified by Fuzzy DEMATEL, the criterion weights are determined by Fuzzy AHP and the alternative decarbonization and priorities is determined by Fuzzy TOPSIS.