In February 2025, 70 refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) completed hands-on training in safe servicing practices under India’s HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage II.
Organized by GIZ Proklima India in partnership with the Ozone Cell of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the program focused on "Good Servicing Practices and Installation of Room Air Conditioners with HCFC-22 and Flammable Refrigerants (R-290)." The sessions were conducted by Keypath India Pvt Ltd. at the DMRC Training Academy in New Delhi from February 17 to 22, 2025. Technicians were trained in three batches.
The training covered both theoretical and practical aspects, beginning with an introduction to the ozone layer, environmental impacts of refrigerants, and the importance of transitioning to climate-friendly alternatives. Participants received instruction in equipment handling, copper tube processing, brazing, refrigerant recovery, and energy-efficient servicing techniques.
A core component of the program was the safe installation and maintenance of split air conditioners using R-290, a flammable but low-GWP refrigerant. Hands-on sessions allowed technicians to practice installation and servicing methods, emphasizing leak prevention and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Each training concluded with group workshops where technicians discussed field experiences and key takeaways. The interactive format reinforced the importance of best practices in refrigerant handling and encouraged knowledge exchange among DMRC’s maintenance staff.
“This training not only improved the technical skills of our team but also raised awareness about environmentally responsible servicing methods,” said a DMRC official.
The initiative supports India’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and aims to strengthen institutional capacity for sustainable air-conditioning practices in the public transport sector.