Indian Railways has rolled out a pioneering green energy project at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, by fitting solar panels directly within the gaps of railway tracks. The initiative is the first of its kind in the country, designed to harness clean power without occupying additional land.
The pilot stretch at BLW features 28 detachable panels laid over 70 m, generating 15 KWp of electricity. The removable design ensures that track maintenance remains hassle-free while unlocking renewable energy potential from otherwise unused spaces.
Initial estimates suggest that if extended on a larger scale, the model could deliver nearly 3.21 lakh units of electricity per km every year—enough to meet station-level demands, power signalling infrastructure, or even feed into the main grid.
This step adds to Indian Railways’ ongoing sustainability drive, which includes rooftop solar installations at stations and depots, alongside heavy investments in renewable energy projects, as part of its 2030 net-zero carbon emissions target.
Parallel to this, Western Railway has commissioned the country’s first 2×25 kV electric traction system on the Nagda–Khachrod section in Ratlam Division. Equipped with dual Scott-connected 100 MVA transformers, the system is expected to enhance energy efficiency in train operations.
As one of India’s largest fuel and power consumers, the rail network is steadily diversifying its energy mix. The BLW project, developed in-house by engineers, signals a new chapter in exploring innovative renewable solutions within the railway ecosystem.