Varanasi has set a national benchmark by commissioning India’s first solar panels installed between railway tracks. The pilot project, launched at Banaras Locomotive Works, is designed to support Indian Railways’ mission of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Officials say this innovation demonstrates how clean energy can be harnessed without needing additional land, one of the biggest hurdles for renewable projects across the country.
The solar track system is unique because it is both removable and indigenously developed. Covering a 70 metre stretch inside Banaras Locomotive Works, the setup includes 28 panels that generate a total capacity of 15 kilowatt peak. Engineers designed it to allow easy removal for routine railway maintenance, ensuring smooth train operations without disruption. This makes it both a green initiative and a triumph for homegrown engineering.
What makes the project even more significant is its potential for large scale application. Early assessments show that each kilometre of track fitted with similar panels could generate more than three lakh units of electricity every year. This power could be used for station lighting, signalling systems, or supplied back to the grid, creating a reliable source of clean energy for one of the world’s largest railway networks.
The Indian Railways has already taken several steps towards sustainability, from rooftop solar plants at stations to major renewable energy projects in different states. The Varanasi pilot adds an innovative dimension by making use of trackside space that would otherwise remain unused. Officials believe that if extended to yard lines and underutilised stretches of track, the project could drastically reduce energy costs and strengthen the organisation’s commitment to greener journeys.
Railways is one of India’s largest consumers of electricity and diesel, and its transition to renewable energy carries enormous weight for the country’s climate goals. The success of this solar track initiative could inspire similar models across the network and even set an example for railway systems around the world.
Varanasi’s new solar powered track system is more than just a pilot project. It is a symbol of India’s capacity to innovate, adapt, and lead in the field of sustainable transport. With clean energy lighting up the tracks, this initiative paves the way for a future where India’s trains run not only on efficiency but also on responsibility towards the planet.
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