Railways to Install Solar Panel on More Trains

Indian Railways have already provided solar panels on roof top of 19 Narrow Gauge coaches on Trains in Kalka – Shimla and Kangra Valley.

Railways have taken a decision to install rooftop solar panels on two day running trains in Northern and Southern Railway, Minister of State of Railways, Rajen Gohain said in the Lok Sabha today.

Apart from this, 50% Narrow Gauge coaches plying on Pathankot-Joginder Nagar route in Kangra Valley section and Kalka-Shimla section of Northern Railway will also get solar panels

Indian Railways has decided to conduct extended trials for one year in all weather conditions.

Indian Railways have already provided solar panels on roof top of 19 Narrow Gauge coaches on Trains in Kalka – Shimla and Kangra Valley in Northern Railway and 23 Broad Gauge non-air conditioned coaches in service (13 coaches in 2 trains of Northern Railway, 7 coaches in 1 train of Southern Railway, 2 coaches in 1 train of Konkan Railway and 1 coach in 1 train of West Central Railway).

Solar system works during sunlight and generates battery backup of approx. 4 to 5 hours. System does not work properly during fog/rain and winter season and battery backup goes down to 2 to 3 hours depending upon weather condition.