The Kerala government’s Revenue Department has allocated 50 acres of government land in Kasaragod to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for the establishment of a 12 MW solar park.
This strategic land lease, situated in Ambalathara village within the Hosdurg taluk, marks a crucial step in KMRL’s ambitious plan to power its expanding metro network entirely through renewable energy sources. The 30-year lease agreement, with an annual rent of ₹32.05 lakh (fixed at 3% of the land’s market value and subject to revision every three years), underscores the state’s commitment to fostering sustainable infrastructure development. This initiative in Kasaragod is part of a broader vision by KMRL to minimise its carbon footprint and embrace clean energy solutions for its operations. Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, articulated the strategic importance of this project, stating that the solar power generated from the Kasaragod park will be directly harnessed to meet the energy demands of the Kochi metro system. This move aligns with global best practices in urban transportation, where integrating renewable energy sources is increasingly recognised as essential for long-term sustainability and reducing operational costs associated with conventional power consumption.
The Revenue Department has also stipulated environmental safeguards as part of the land lease agreement. Should the project necessitate the felling of any trees on the allocated land, KMRL will be mandated to undertake compensatory afforestation by planting and maintaining three times the number of tree saplings. This condition highlights the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with ecological preservation, ensuring that the pursuit of green energy does not come at the expense of the region’s biodiversity. The 50 acres of land allocated to KMRL form a portion of a larger 377.91-acre parcel originally intended for assignment to the military wing, of which 120.91 acres have already been allocated. KMRL’s proactive approach to securing land for solar energy generation demonstrates a clear commitment to its renewable energy targets. In addition to the Kasaragod project, KMRL is also reportedly planning a similar solar park in Alappuzha, specifically to cater to the energy requirements of the Kochi Water Metro, further solidifying its dedication to sustainable and integrated urban transport solutions.
KMRL has already made significant strides in adopting solar energy, with an existing solar park at Muttom currently meeting over 50% of its total energy requirements. The addition of the Kasaragod solar park, with its substantial 12 MW capacity, is poised to propel KMRL closer to its goal of achieving 100% energy self-sufficiency through solar power. This transition not only reduces the metro’s reliance on conventional, often carbon-intensive, energy sources but also sets a commendable example for other urban transit systems across India to emulate. The move towards solar-powered urban transportation in Kochi signifies a progressive step towards creating more eco-friendly and sustainable cities. By leveraging renewable energy, KMRL is not only mitigating its environmental impact but also potentially stabilising its long-term operational costs and enhancing the resilience of its energy supply. This initiative in Kasaragod represents a tangible manifestation of the state’s commitment to green growth and positions Kochi as a leader in sustainable urban mobility solutions, paving the way for cleaner and more liveable urban environments for its citizens. The integration of large-scale solar energy projects with public transportation infrastructure serves as a powerful model for other metropolitan regions striving to achieve their zero-carbon and sustainability objectives.
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