To fuel the forthcoming energy needs with renewable sources, India Railways is increasingly relying on solar power. It has installed over 200 MW of solar power at some major railway stations in India.
As of 31 October 2023, 211.49 MW solar rooftop capacity has been installed in 1498 railway stations in the country, including major stations like Varanasi, Katra, New Delhi, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Secunderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Howrah, etc.
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The Ministry of Railways has made it clear that delivering on Budget (2017-18) promises, solar plants will be provided progressively at other stations.
Land-based solar system
Sharing a progress report about land-based solar systems, the ministry informed that 3 MW is already set up at Modern Coach Factory in Raebarelli.
“2 pilot projects assigned to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL) at Bina (1.7 MW, WCR) and Diwana (2MW, NR) were successfully commissioned,” the Ministry of Railways said.
“400 MW tied up from Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS), a JV of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) and Madhya Pradesh government,” the ministry informed.
“50 MW plant has been commissioned in Bhilai since April 2023,” the ministry added.
Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the railways for increasingly harnessing solar power.
PM Modi had said that the national carrier made commendable progress in India’s commitment towards a greener future.
In just nine years, Indian Railways improved its capacity significantly, taking significant strides towards Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission, the PM had said.
“Let us continue this journey,” guaranteeing a brighter and sustainable tomorrow for the country, the prime minister added.
It is pertinent to mention here that in the Union Budget (2017-18), emphasis was given on harnessing solar power.