Railways to be independent by 2030, to generate solar energy on its land, stations’ roof

By Ankita Garg

In order to reduce carbon footprint and be independent in electricity generation, the Indian Railway is rigorously working on idea of solar power. In this regard, Bhopal Railways has started working on solar power plant on 12,000 sq km of area. In this scheme, all the stations land and roof will be used for solar power. Railways officials said that they have targeted to generate solar energy at all stations set ups across country by the end of year 2030. Railways has targeted to use its own electricity instead of purchasing from concern department. Railways has already set up Asia’s biggest solar plant on PPP mode near Bina station that is generating 1.7 megawatt of electricity for past three years. This electricity is being used to run train’s engine through traction line. Getting inspiration with this plant, railway planned to set up solar panel at all unused land around the stations. The scheme will be elaborated around all stations under West Central Railway stations.

Solar panels are working at a few stations, including Bhopal. These panels are generating at least two third of the electricity for the station building. The new project would be covering requirement of rest electricity. The new building constructed towards platform no 6 of Bhopal Railway Station has hybrid solar system that generate electricity with solar system and wind as well. Railway has planned to set up all panels on hybrid basis. In may 2023, Bhopal Railway installed 5 kilowatt grid connected solar power plant around 12 stations. These 12 stations are fitted with solar power energy include Mathela, Khirkiya, Timarni, Banapura, Chhanera, Ashoknagar, Mungavali, Shajapur, Mandibamora, Kanjia, Gulabganj, Mandideep while 5 kw off grid solar power plant was installed at Ganjbasoda station. PRO of Bhopal Railway Subedar Singh said that around 8,380 units of energy have been generated in a month which has resulted in saving of Rs 9 lakh in a year.

He further informed that a wind solar hybrid plant has been also installed at Vidisha station which helps in generating renewable energy. As many as 650 BLDC fans were also installed on platform and station service building last year that had resulted in saving Rs 11 lakh in a year. He said that team is actively working to develop Sanchi as Net Zero Solar city. An MoU was signed between Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Bhopal and West Central Railway Bhopal Division for the purpose of running all railway installations at Sanchi station with solar energy.