Indian Railways commissions first removable solar panel system between tracks

Indian Railways – Milestones in Green Energy, Freight, and Electrification

📍 1. Green Energy Innovation – Varanasi

• Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi commissioned India’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks.
• Specifications:
  • Length: 70 metres
  • Panels: 28
  • Capacity: 15 KWp
• Significance: Promotes green and sustainable rail transport.

📍 2. Freight Expansion – Industrial Salt Rake

• First industrial salt-loaded rake flagged off on 10th August 2025.
  • Route: Sanosara (Bhuj–Naliya section) → Dahej.
  • Load: 3,851.2 tonnes of industrial salt.
  • Distance: 673.57 km.
  • Revenue: ₹31.69 lakh freight earnings.
• Importance: Boosts regional industry in Kutch (salt industry) and strengthens India’s logistics network.

📍 3. Electrification – Nagda–Khachrod Section

• Western Railway commissioned India’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System under Ratlam Division.
• Technology:
  • Two Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers.
  • Provides efficient feeding of load to overhead equipment (OHE).
• Significance: First traction sub-station in India energised using Scott Transformer technology, advancing railway electrification infrastructure.

Key Takeaways for Prelims

• Removable Solar Panels: First-of-its-kind renewable energy project between railway tracks in India.
• Freight Innovation: New salt logistics corridor → supports industry + freight diversification.
• 2×25 kV Traction System: Improves efficiency in power supply, reduces transmission losses.
  
  Updated : 18 Aug 2025 ; 2:59 PM  | DD News