Varanasi has made headlines by becoming the first city in India to install solar panels on railway tracks in Varanasi – a groundbreaking pilot that brings renewable energy directly onto rail infrastructure. Installed at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), this project introduces portable solar panels on railway tracks without disrupting train operations, aligning with Indian Railways’ goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.
A First-of-its-Kind Pilot: What Makes It Special
- Pilot Setup: The installation spans a 70-meter stretch on Line-19 at BLW, using 28 bifacial monocrystalline solar panels with a total capacity of 15 kWp.
- Design & Installation: Mounted on sleepers with epoxy adhesive, cushioned by rubber pads to absorb vibrations, this removable system can be easily lifted for track maintenance.
- Efficiency & Energy Output: Generates ~880 units per km per day, or around 321,000 kWh annually per km, eliminating land acquisition needs and leveraging redundant track-side space.
Why It Matters: Scaling Solar on Railway Tracks
- Green Rail Initiative: This innovation marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean-energy – on railway track becomes more than rooftop panels and wind farms – it’s infrastructure-integrated renewable energy.
- Scalability: With over 120,000 km of railway network, similar installations across yard lines could generate substantial clean power, especially in land-constrained areas.
- Indigenous Innovation: Planned, designed, and executed entirely by BLW engineers, it reflects domestic capabilities in sustainable infrastructure development.
Broader Context: Solar Solutions in Indian Railways
- India’s First Fully Solar-Powered Station: Guwahati Railway Station became the first in India to run entirely on solar rooftop power.
- Solar-Powered Trains: The first solar-powered DEMU train – where rooftop solar powers onboard lighting and fans – started service in 2017.
- Widespread Station Solarisation: Over 960 railway stations have been solarised, with ongoing additions across the network.
Technical Comparisons: Varanasi Pilot vs. Global Innovations
- Swiss “Solar Carpet” Concept: Switzerland’s Sun-Ways project entails rolling solar modules between tracks – mechanized, removable, and scalable across high-speed lines.
- Indian Version (Varanasi): Focuses on sturdy, removable panels tailored for Indian track conditions – rugged, low-cost, adaptable prototype.
Challenges include regular track maintenance, dust accumulation, vibration-induced wear, and ensuring minimal glare – issues both pilots must address.
What the Future Holds: Expansion & Roadblocks
- Trackside Solar Potential: If applied across just 10% of India’s railway network, this method could unlock over 15 GW of solar capacity without land acquisition.
- Operational Considerations: Indian conditions – heat, monsoon waterlogging, heavy traffic – require toughened panel design and efficient maintenance strategies.
- Safety & Maintenance: Systems must support quick removal for tamping, resist vibration damage, mitigate glare, and offer fire protection. Development of rail-specific PV standards is vital.
Summing Up
Varanasi has set the benchmark for solar panels on railway tracks in India through this trailblazing pilot. The removable solar panel system represents a smart fusion of renewable energy and rail infrastructure – without land trade-offs or traffic disruptions. It complements other green breakthroughs like the first fully solar-powered station in India (Guwahati) and solar-powered trains, reinforcing Indian Railways’ sustainability agenda.
While non-traditional and still experimental, if refined and expanded, this innovation could transform railway corridors into green energy generators and help India meet its 2030 climate goals – turning passive track infrastructure into a powerful solar asset.
