NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): In a significant commitment to renewable energy, the Central Railway has announced its plans to establish 1MW solar plants at 81 locations across its network including one at Ajni, Nagpur.
Shivraj Manaspure, chief public relations officer (CPRO), stated that about 2,700 acres of unoccupied or underused railway land has been located to enable the installation of solar systems. These areas have enormous potential for the development of solar power infrastructure and would contribute in further lowering the carbon emissions of the Indian Railway.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Central Railway has already installed solar rooftop plants with an expanded capacity of 135kWp at various stations in the year 2023.
Solar rooftop plants have been installed successfully at many stations in the Solapur division, including Osmanabad, Barshi, Wadsinge, Salgare, Parewadi, Mohol, and Tilati. In the Nagpur division, installations have been completed at Kala Akhar, Pola Patthar, Maramjhiri, Taku, Jaulkhera, and Dodaramohar stations.
Additionally, the railways has also won a tender for a 1MW capacity solar plant for the new Ajni electric locomotive shed. This solar power facility will provide sustainable energy and help the railway become less reliant on non-renewable resources through a power purchase agreement (PPA). Further increasing its use of solar energy and reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner future, Central Railway also has plans to build a 1MW solar facility in Pune.
