Historic Solar Innovation on Railway Tracks
Indian Railways has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable transportation by launching the nation's first removable solar panel system installed directly between active railway tracks. The pilot project, inaugurated on August 15, 2025 at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, represents a revolutionary approach to renewable energy integration in transportation infrastructure.
Engineering Breakthrough
The 70-meter installation features 28 mono-crystalline PERC bifacial solar panels with a combined capacity of 15 kilowatt peak (KWp), generating approximately 67 units of electricity daily. What makes this project particularly innovative is its engineering design: the panels are mounted using vibration-damping rubber pads and secured with epoxy adhesive, eliminating the need for drilling into the tracks. 'This removable design allows for easy maintenance access without disrupting train operations,' explained a senior railway engineer involved in the project.
Scalable Green Solution
This pilot demonstrates the enormous potential for scaling renewable energy across India's vast railway network. According to industry estimates, if implemented across just 10% of India's 1.2 lakh kilometer railway network, this system could generate 26.4 GW of installed capacity, producing approximately 384 billion units of electricity annually. The bifacial panels are particularly efficient, capturing reflected light from the ballast to increase energy yield by up to 10%.
Net Zero 2030 Commitment
This initiative directly supports Indian Railways' ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. As noted in the official announcement, the project represents a significant step toward sustainable rail transport. 'We're transforming underutilized infrastructure into clean energy assets while maintaining operational efficiency,' stated a Ministry of Railways spokesperson.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The project offers multiple advantages: it requires no additional land acquisition, reduces operational costs through renewable energy generation, and significantly cuts carbon emissions. Each kilometer of similar installation could generate approximately 321,000 kWh annually, providing auxiliary power for railway stations and facilities. This approach aligns with India's broader renewable energy targets, where the country aims to install 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, as documented by renewable energy statistics.
Future Expansion Plans
Railway officials indicate that the successful pilot will be expanded to other sections of the network, particularly yard lines and commuter routes where space utilization can be optimized. The modular design allows for easy replication across different railway sections, making it an ideal solution for India's diverse railway infrastructure. This innovation positions India as a global leader in solar railway systems, potentially inspiring other densely populated nations to adopt similar green infrastructure solutions.