India launches world’s first solar-powered train

Moving towards technological advancement, Indian Railways launched first ever solar-powered train in Delhi.

Inaugurated on July 14, the 1600 HP solar-powered DEMU (diesel electrical multiple unit) train was launched from the Safdarjung railway station in Delhi. The train runs from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana. This initiative marks India to be the first one globally to introduce solar panels as grid in railways.

In line with Indian Railways ‘Solar Mission’ for decreasing dependency on fossil fuels, the train consists of 16 solar panels that are fitted in six coaches each of which generating 300 Watt peak (Wp). It is said that the solar-powered trains would be able to power the entire electrical appliances present in the train.

Built under ‘Make in India’ initiative, the price of these solar panels is up to Rs54 lakh. Along with a power back-up, the train can run on battery at the minimum of 72 hours, informed The Economic Times.

The solar-powered DEMU trains being a part of his plans, Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu declared last year that railways would be able to produce 1000 MW of solar energy in the upcoming five years. During the inauguration ceremony, Prabhu expressed, “Indian Railways is committed to promote clean and renewable energy.”

According to Ravindra Gupta, Member (Rolling Stock), Railway Board, solar power would be initially introduced in urban trains and later on in long-distance trains. In the upcoming days, the railways plan to launch approximately 50 more similar trains.

Gupta believes that once the project is completely executed, the Indian Railways would be able to conserve almost Rs700 crore annually. Not only that, the solar panels would also contribute to deduct almost 239 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per train annually and 1350 tons in the next 25 years, reports Indian Express.