Railways harnesses solar energy for powering rail coaches

Indian Railways is harnessing solar energy to power lights and fans inside train coaches and the first such train is all set to conduct trial in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, railway officials said, adding that trial run of the train will be conducted by the end of this month.

While solar panels will power the coaches, the train will be pulled by conventional diesel engine, the railway sources said.

"Solar panels have been installed on top of the coaches in the train and the energy, which we will get from the sun, will be used for the functioning of lights and fans inside the coaches in the train," 

Indian Railways has engaged Noida-based firm Jakson Engineers Limited (JEL) for fitting diesel electric multiple units (DEMU) with solar panels and the firm has completed work on one of the DEMU's six coaches.

The Rs1.57-crore contract was awarded last October by the Indian Railways Organisation for Alternate Fuels.

As per reports, coaches of the Shan-e-Punjab Express and Taj Express will also be equipped with solar power in the near future.

A train using solar power for lighting alone can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90,000 litres per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 200 tonnes.

The railways have been focusing on alternate source of fuel for running of trains and has already conducted trials using CNG, biodiesel and natural gas among others.

CNG is being used in local trains on Rohtak-Rewari section of Delhi division. The dual fuel concept of using CNG and diesel has also helped in saving fuel and money.

Indian Railways, the world's fourth-largest rail network, targets to generate 1,000 MW solar power over a five-year period. It has begun installation of solar plants on the rooftops of railway infrastructure, level crossings across the country.

Railways expects to save around Rs82 lakh per train per year by using alternate sources of energy, an plans to meet 10 per cent of its total energy requirements through renewable energy by 2020.