More trains of Indian Railways to use solar energy
Considering the success of the pilot project, Indian Railways is planning to adopt the solar energy system on more trains. It was informed by the Rajen Ghain, the Minister of State of Railways.
The first solar-powered DEMU (diesel electrical multiple unit) train was launched in July 2018, from the Safdarjung railway station in Delhi. The train run from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana. A total of 16 solar panels, each producing 300 Wp, are fitted in six coaches.
As per the minister, Railways have already provided solar panels on roof top of 19 Narrow Gauge coaches on Trains in Kalka – Shimla and Kangra Valley in Northern Railway and 23 Broad Gauge non-air conditioned coaches in service (13 coaches in 2 trains of Northern Railway, 7 coaches in 1 train of Southern Railway, 2 coaches in 1 train of Konkan Railway and 1 coach in 1 train of West Central Railway).
Solar system works during sunlight and generates battery backup of approximate 4 to 5 hours. System may not work properly during fog rain and winter season and battery backup goes down to 2 to 3 hours depending upon weather condition.
First solar panelled train launched in July
Railways have also taken decision to provide solar panel on roof top of general coaches of two number of day running intercity trains in Northern and Southern Railway and 50 per cent Narrow Gauge coaches plying on Pathankot-Joginder Nagar route in Kangra Valley section and Kalka-Shimla section of Northern Railway for conducting extended trials for one year in all weather conditions.
The cost of the solar panels, manufactured under ‘Make in India’ initiative, is Rs 54 lakh. This is the first time in the world that solar panels are being used as grid in railways. The train has a power back-up and can run on battery for at least 72 hours.
By saving an estimated 1.2 lakh kilo liter of diesel every year, the railways is expected to save Rs 672 crore per year. The solar power will also help in reducing 2.7 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emission per year.