Indian Railways commissions first removable solar panel system between tracks

📰 IN NEWS — Indian Railways: Green Energy & Electrification Milestones

🌞 India’s First Removable Solar Panel System (Pilot)

• Location: Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
• Commissioned by: Indian Railways
• Specs:
  • 70-metre stretch between railway tracks
  • 28 panels generating 15 kWp electricity
  • Removable design allows easy track maintenance & seasonal adaptation
• Key Benefits:
  • No need for land acquisition (panels installed between tracks)
  • Durable (25-year lifespan) and efficient
  • 20% of BLW’s energy already met from solar power — enhances energy security & sustainability
• Significance:
  • First-of-its-kind removable solar panel system on railway tracks in India
  • Supports India’s Net Zero and Clean Mobility goals

🚛 New Freight Operations — Industrial Salt Rake

• Route: Sanosara (Bhuj–Naliya section, Gujarat) → Dahej
• Load: 3,851.2 tonnes of industrial salt
• Distance: 673.57 km
• Revenue: ₹31.69 lakh freight earnings
• Impact: Boosts salt industry logistics, strengthens Western freight corridor

⚡ First 2×25 kV Electric Traction System

• Location: Nagda–Khachrod section (Western Railway, Ratlam Division)
• Tech Features:
  • Two Scott-connected 100 MVA transformers
  • Ensures efficient load feeding to overhead equipment (OHE)
• Significance:
  • First use of Scott Transformer technology in India
  • Improves energy efficiency, load balancing, and electrification reliability
    
    Updated - 18 Aug 2025 ; 7: 45 PM | DD News