Revolutionizing Railways: India’s First Solar-Powered Train and Station Unveiled
Revolutionizing Railways: India's First Solar-Powered Train and Station Unveiled
Indian Railways has launched solar-powered trains that feature solar panels on their rooftops to generate electricity, promoting environmental sustainability and helping to lower carbon emissions. The inaugural DEMU (Diesel Electrical Multiple Units) train with solar-powered coaches was introduced on July 14, 2017, at Safdarjung Railway Station, marking India’s entry into the solar train initiative. The first solar-powered DEMU operates between Sarai Rohilla in Delhi and Farukh Nagar in Haryana. This train consists of six coaches equipped with a total of 16 solar panels, each capable of producing around 300 Wp.
In 2020, the Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurated a solar-powered miniature train in Veli. This environmentally friendly train includes all the features of a real railway system, such as a ticket counter, a tunnel, and a station. Each of its three bogies can hold around 45 passengers, and the entire track stretches for 2.5 km, making it quite unique.
As for the future of solar trains in India, the Indian Railways is taking significant steps to enhance its status as a leading clean energy provider, in line with its long-term sustainability goals.
The solar panels installed on the train produce about 17 units of power daily, which is used to illuminate the coach. Currently, the Railways is focusing on equipping only non-AC coaches with solar panels.
In India, solar trains draw energy from panels placed on their roofs. In 2017, the first completely solar-powered railway station was opened in Guwahati. The Indian government aims to reduce its reliance on a heavily polluting energy mix.
Indian Railways, despite facing several challenges, is planning to roll out more solar-powered coaches in the near future. The introduction of solar-powered trains is expected to start in urban areas. According to a study conducted in 2017, Indian Railways has the potential to develop 5 gigawatts of solar generating capacity, which could meet the country’s electricity demands in the years to come.
