Indian Railways Accelerates Solar Energy Initiative
In a significant push towards renewable energy, Indian Railways is intensifying its efforts to harness solar power, aligning with government policies aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and long-term financial savings. The initiative is part of an ongoing transition to renewable energy sources, which includes a hybrid solution combining solar and wind energy. Currently, Indian Railways has successfully installed solar plants at numerous railway stations across the country.
Progress in Solar Energy Procurement
Indian Railways is actively working to procure renewable energy through various power procurement modes, focusing on Round The Clock (RTC) power solutions. This hybrid approach integrates both solar and wind energy, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power supply. The majority of solar plant installations are executed through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under a developer mode, allowing for streamlined implementation and management. Despite the progress, the transition has not been without challenges. Indian Railways has encountered regulatory constraints, power evacuation issues, and connectivity hurdles during the implementation of solar energy projects. To address these challenges, the organization has been in regular contact with state governments and transmission utilities, ensuring that necessary support and infrastructure are in place to facilitate the growth of solar energy initiatives.
Solar Plant Installations Across India
As of now, Indian Railways has successfully established approximately 209 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity across 2,249 railway stations and service buildings nationwide. This initiative reflects a strong commitment to renewable energy and showcases the potential for significant environmental benefits. The following table outlines the state-wise and year-wise distribution of solar plants installed:
| S.No. | State | Railway Stations Provided with Solar Plants (2014-15 to 2019-20) | Railway Stations Provided with Solar Plants (2020-21 to February 2025) | Cumulative Total (up to February 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | 73 | 200 | 275 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 43 | 213 | 270 |
| 3 | West Bengal | 12 | 222 | 237 |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | 78 | 93 | 204 |
| 5 | Andhra Pradesh | 33 | 126 | 198 |
| 6 | Karnataka | 86 | 60 | 146 |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh | 49 | 74 | 134 |
| 8 | Odisha | 30 | 103 | 133 |
| 9 | Gujarat | 11 | 96 | 112 |
| 10 | Telangana | 35 | 60 | 95 |
| 11 | Bihar | 25 | 42 | 81 |
| 12 | Assam | 27 | 48 | 78 |
| 13 | Tamil Nadu | 42 | 31 | 73 |
| 14 | Jharkhand | 10 | 35 | 47 |
| 15 | Haryana | 9 | 23 | 36 |
| 16 | Punjab | 19 | 11 | 30 |
| 17 | Uttarakhand | 1 | 17 | 18 |
| 18 | Himachal Pradesh | 1 | 16 | 17 |
| 19 | Tripura | 15 | 1 | 16 |
| 20 | Chhattisgarh | 10 | 5 | 16 |
| 21 | Kerala | 12 | 1 | 13 |
| 22 | Delhi | 4 | 3 | 8 |
| 23 | J & K | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 24 | Nagaland | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 25 | Meghalaya | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 26 | Manipur | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 27 | Chandigarh | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 28 | Puducherry | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 628 | 1489 | 2249 |
Government Support and Future Plans
The Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, provided this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The government remains committed to supporting the expansion of solar energy initiatives within Indian Railways, recognizing the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. As Indian Railways continues to enhance its solar energy capabilities, the focus will remain on overcoming existing challenges and maximizing the potential of renewable energy sources across the nation.
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