Railways to generate 1000 MW solar power in the next five years

News:

Railways is planning to come out with a solar policy for procuring 1000 MW solar power in the next five years. For the same railways proposes to install solar power plants of about 8.8 MW capacity at railway stations, railway office buildings and level crossing gates throughout the country under railway funding.

Initiatives: 

• Railways has rolled out a non-AC coach of Rewari-Sitapur passenger train lit by solar panels installed on its roof.
• Coaches of Shan-e-Punjab Express and Taj Express are also going to be equipped with solar power shortly. The solar panels generate about 17 units of power in a day which enables the lighting system in the coach.
• Solar panels have also been provided on top of coaches of two narrow-gauge trains plying on Pathankot-Jogindernagar route in Kangra Valley section and Kalka-Shimla section on trial basis.

• The generation of solar supply will help railways supply power at remote locations and saving in diesel due to reduced running of diesel generators.