Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, has commissioned India’s first 70-meter removable solar panel system between active railway tracks. This innovative, indigenously developed project features 28 panels generating 15 KWp power, reinforcing Indian Railways’ sustainable efforts. This initiative aims to contribute towards the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Introduction:
Indian Railways has taken a strategic step towards improving green and sustainable energy. Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, has successfully commissioned India’s first removable solar panel system between active railway tracks. This development showcases the organization’s commitment towards lowering carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions.
This pioneering initiative involves a 70-meter track length and integrates 28 solar panels with a combined capacity of 15 KWp, making it a world-class model in the railway sector.
Project Highlights:
- Installed at BLW Workshop: Pilot project located on Line No. 19.
- Capacity: 15 KWp with 28 panels.
- Energy Output: Expected generation of approximately 3.21 lakh units annually.
- Design: Indigenously developed and fully tested without disrupting train traffic.
- Removability: Panels can be easily detached for maintenance and operational safety.
Overcoming Technical Challenges:
The placement of solar panels between railway tracks required rigorous design innovation to ensure stability under vibration and secure fixation. BLW engineers employed rubber mounting pads and epoxy adhesive bonding, guaranteeing durability and seamless performance even under the dynamic conditions of rail operations.
The project also emphasizes flexibility—panels are designed to be portable, allowing easy removal when required for track-related maintenance or inspections.
Complementing Rooftop Solar Initiatives:
BLW already houses rooftop solar power plants across its premises, contributing significantly to clean energy usage. The addition of this track-based solar panel system strengthens BLW’s green portfolio and introduces a scalable model that Indian Railways can replicate across its vast 1.2 lakh km track network.
Towards Net-Zero Carbon Emissions:
The commissioning of this pilot system aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. By leveraging renewable energy in innovative ways, the organization not only reduces its dependence on conventional sources but also sets a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development in the transport sector.
Experts believe this initiative will act as a catalyst for large-scale adoption of similar projects nationwide, paving the way for greener and more energy-efficient rail operations.
Conclusion:
The commissioning of India’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks at BLW, Varanasi, underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation and sustainability. This model project highlights how renewable energy can be integrated efficiently into existing infrastructure. This development aligns with India’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality and building a cleaner, greener future for transportation.
Source: MoR | Images Credit: MoR
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