Varanasi, India – In a significant step towards sustainable energy, Indian Railways has successfully conducted a pilot project to generate electricity by installing solar panels between railway tracks. This pioneering experiment was carried out by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) at their workshop lines in Varanasi.
A total of 28 solar panels were installed over a 70-meter stretch of track, producing 15 kilowatts of electricity. This achievement marks a milestone in the Indian Railways’ green energy initiatives and paves the way for innovative use of existing infrastructure to generate clean energy.
Currently, solar energy powers 2,249 railway stations across India, with a combined output of 309 megawatts. Rajasthan leads the way with 275 solar power plants, while Kerala has 13. Indian Railways aims to generate 20 gigawatts of solar power by 2030 by utilizing vacant railway land for renewable energy projects.
The track-based solar panel initiative is a unique model in this direction. The panels have been strategically placed between the tracks to ensure they do not obstruct train movement. Designed to be durable and efficient, these panels can also be removed or adjusted as needed for maintenance or due to weather changes.
Encouraged by the success of the pilot, Indian Railways plans to expand this model to all railway zones across the country. In parallel, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is also implementing a project to install rooftop solar panels at railway stations.
For instance, the Kannur Railway Station in Kerala has a solar plant with a capacity of 125 kilowatts, producing around 120 kilowatts of solar power daily—approximately one-third of the station’s daily energy requirement. The station’s rooftop houses 284 solar panels that generate around 450 units of electricity per day.
This initiative highlights Indian Railways’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable energy solutions for the future.