Trains to generate solar power soon

In an ambitious plan to tap solar energy, the Delhi division of the Northern Railway is all set to use trains to generate solar power by the year- end. For the purpose, the railway authorities will roll out first train with solar panels fixed on its roof by the end of this year. According to senior official of the Delhi rail division, the trial run of a passenger train with solar panels fitted on top of one of its coaches was successfully completed and a train fitted with solar panels on all its coaches will run by end of the year. Solar power generated the moving trains will be used to meet the requirements of the trains themselves.

According to divisional railway manager Arun Arora, the trial run was successfully completed on Sitapur- Rewari passenger train and one coach had generated 1.3 KW of power. “The power generated by the solar panel set on the train top will be used to meet lighting and other electrical requirements of the coaches,” said Mr Arora.

The railways will spend ` 4 lakh for installing solar panels on each coach. “With a rate of return of 25 per cent in a year, the railways will recover the installation cost in four years. After four years, it will help the railways to save power bills,” added Mr Arora.

As per initial plan, solar panels will fitted on passenger trains which originate and terminate within the jurisdiction of the Delhi division. “In the first phase, we will run passenger trains fitted with solar panels. In the second phase, mail or express trains will be fitted with panels to generate solar power to meet requirements,” said Mr Arora.

Premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express will be not used for generation of solar power. A senior official said that solar power generated on train tops on these premium trains will not meet the requirements of a coach. “So, currently there is no plan of installation of solar panels in premium trains,” added the officer.