BMRCL to Run Metro Trains on Solar Power

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is mulling over harnessing solar power to run metro rail services. BMRCL is formulating plans for the installation of solar panels in all metro stations that will be built in phase 2, 2A and 2B. The upcoming phases of the BMRCL are expected to be implemented by 2023.

BMRCL says that third rail, escalators, lighting and air conditioners will also run mainly on solar energy. The Chief PRO of BMRCL, Yashwanth Chavan, says that the Bangalore metro is presently using 65 lakh units for the operation of the entire 56 km network and once the remaining phases of 2, 2A and 2B are completed, the electricity usage will ramp up to 205 lakh units.

Currently, BMRCL has solar power systems installed at five metro stations belonging to Phase-I. They are all operational as of now.

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At present, BMRCL generates 1.8 lakh through solar installations and saves more than Rs 10 lakh every month. The corporation estimates that the energy harnessed from future installations will rise to about 28.5 lakh units by 2023, which will reduce the electricity bills of BMRCL by Rs 1.7 crore.

Interestingly, metro trains produce some of their electric power on their own. As per BMRC, its trains are using regenerative braking system technology in which electricity is generated when the train applies brakes during a run. The Corporation says that trains produce 15 per cent of the electric energy of their own and the rest is supplied by BESCOM.

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Recently, the BMRCL has tied up with many electric vehicle firms to connect interiors of the city with the metro stations. BMRCL has worked out an agreement with 3Eco Systems, as per which the latter will run electric auto rickshaws. The metro rail corporation will provide its parking space to the company. 3Eco Systems has already started a pilot service at Byappanhalli metro station with ten electric autos where passengers can book a ride through an App. Electric autos charge Rs 10 for every km of journey, which still is far lower than that charged by non-electric auto rickshaws.