In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Ministry of Railways has planned to harness 1000 MW of solar power through developer mode by putting up solar plants on Railway buildings/ stations and through land based plants across the country. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
The Minister further stated that Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Railways for cooperation in the areas of renewable energy. MNRE has sanctioned/approved subsidy/incentives for aggregate 500 MWp capacity to Ministry of Railways with as estimated Central Financial Assistance of Rs. 600 Crore for Grid connected solar rooftop systems. MNRE has not made any State-wise allocation under the 500 MW project sanctioned to Indian Railways, the Minister added.
