Indian Railways launches first removable solar panels and expands freight

Varanasi has emerged as a testing ground for Indian Railways’ sustainability drive with the commissioning of the country’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks. Installed at Banaras Locomotive Works, the 70-metre structure not only generates clean power but also showcases innovative design that allows for operational flexibility. Alongside this, freight expansion and new electrification systems highlight a multi-pronged push towards greener, more efficient railway infrastructure.

The newly commissioned solar system spans 70 metres and hosts 28 removable panels generating 15 kilowatts peak (kWp) of power. According to officials, this initiative has been designed to provide clean electricity without obstructing track operations, ensuring that sustainability efforts align seamlessly with operational efficiency. The ability to remove panels when required also ensures safety during maintenance, marking an engineering advancement with long-term potential for scaling.

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Railway authorities emphasise that the project is part of a wider mission to cut the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and drive towards a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. Transport analysts note that the pilot project at Varanasi could pave the way for similar deployments across congested urban rail corridors, where land for renewable projects remains limited.Parallel to green energy adoption, Indian Railways has intensified efforts to expand freight capacity. In a recent development, the first industrial salt-loaded rake from Sanosara in Gujarat’s Bhuj–Naliya section to Dahej was flagged off earlier this week. Officials reported that the consignment carried nearly 3,852 tonnes over 673 kilometres, generating earnings of more than Rs 31 lakh.

The achievement, described as a “logistics breakthrough” by railway executives, is expected to provide new growth avenues for the salt industry, strengthening regional economies and supply chains.Equally significant is the commissioning of India’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at the Nagda–Khachrod section in Madhya Pradesh, under the Western Railway. Featuring two Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers, the system ensures efficient feeding of electricity to overhead lines and promises to reduce transmission losses. Officials said the Nagda traction sub-station, powered with Scott Transformer technology, is the first of its kind in the country, signifying a structural leap in electrification infrastructure.Experts suggest that these combined moves renewable integration, freight capacity expansion, and upgraded electrification reflect a cohesive blueprint for a greener, more efficient Indian Railways. The developments not only highlight environmental accountability but also provide a glimpse into the future of sustainable logistics. For India’s transport sector, long seen as a major contributor to emissions, such initiatives demonstrate a shift towards building climate-resilient infrastructure while serving industry and society alike.

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Indian Railways launches first removable solar panels and expands freight