Solar-powered railway stations in India getting closer to reality
Indian Railways the biggest single user of energy, can become the biggest producer of solar power in the country.
Under the guidance of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu many railway stations across the country are shifting towards production of solar power using solar rooftop panels.
Udaipur railway station is one among them.
India has an ambitious target of achieving 175 giga watts of renewable energy by 2022 and in the process of achieving this target Indian railways is playing its part.
Usage of renewable energy resource Solar power for the electricity needs of Indian railways has picked up to a greater level. Many railway stations in the country have been shifting their base to solar power by establishing rooftop solar panels.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu says Indian Railways can play a key role in India achieving renewable energy targets and is committed towards it.
All railway stations in Udaipur City are in the process of shifting their base to solar power.
Udaipur is the only one in Rajasthan and among 22 other stations in the country to be included in the plan for a total makeover and iconic transformation.
Currently, Udaipur railway station is generating 100 units of solar power per day using a solar rooftop plant of 20KWP.
This system was established under Corporate Social responsibility activity by Navratna Company CONCOR of Indian railways.
On the other side another major station in Udaipur city, Ranapratap Nagar has also been developing a solar rooftop plant of 70kwp.
A MoU was earlier signed Indian railway Finance Corporation and Ajmer division for installation of eco-friendly solar panels in Rana Pratap Nagar, Marwar, Rani and Falna to cater to electricity needs of the rail premises.
Rs 3.29 Cr, the cost of green project, will be borne by IRFC under its CSR funds.
Earlier, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu unveiled ‘Mission 41K’ to save Rs 41,000 crore on the Indian Railways’ expenditure on energy consumption over the next 10 years.
This target will be achieved by taking a slew of measures which include moving 90 per cent of traffic to electric traction over diesel.
Source:ddinews
