Delhi-Meerut RRTS Taps Solar Power via RESCO Model

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has planned to rope in solar energy to cater to the energy demands of the ongoing Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The authority has now planned to use solar energy under the RESCO model. It has also issued a tender in this regard for a 3 MWp capacity. The last date for submitting the bid is July 7.

The main benefit for going with the RESCO operations is to outsource the installation and maintenance of these systems for 25 years. The project, tendered under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, will be implemented under Package 20C  It involves the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the rooftop solar system within 15 months, followed by comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) for a 25-year period.

Scope of Work 

The scope includes detailed site surveys, structural assessments, erection of elevated mounting structures, and procurement of necessary permits, licenses and insurance as per contractual terms. The developer is also responsible for grid connectivity and metering, including net metering where applicable.

NCRTC has specified that all equipment and design must comply with the latest Indian and international standards such as IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and IS/IEC 69947, among others. A minimum performance ratio of 75 percent must be met at commissioning, and an annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) of at least 13 percent must be maintained.

Annual Joint Inspections 

The developer must also ensure waterproofing of affected rooftops for the entire O&M period. Annual joint inspections will be carried out, and any damage found must be repaired immediately, failing which penalties will be imposed.

All O&M activities — including replacement of defective modules, inverters and other components — must be carried out without additional cost. The contractor is required to supply all spare parts needed for scheduled and preventive maintenance, and ensure continuous staffing, logging, and qualified supervision.

Penalties for shortfall in CUF

NCRTC said any shortfall in annual energy generation compared to the committed CUF will attract penalties. Compensation mechanisms are also in place for generation loss due to infrastructure delays or non-grid-related backdown instructions.

The bidder must quote a fixed tariff inclusive of all duties, taxes, and expenses, with no scope for price variation throughout the project life. Any grants or subsidies received but not disclosed at the time of bidding will be adjusted in payments.

The Delhi–Meerut corridor is India’s first RRTS project and a key initiative under the country’s Gati Shakti infrastructure plan. The solar deployment is part of NCRTC’s broader efforts to integrate renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint of mass transit systems in the National Capital Region.