Indian Railways to test its solar-powered trains to reduce pollution

In a bid to reduce diesel consumption in trains, the Indian railways have sort to harness solar energy to run their trains. This will prove to be highly cost-effective to the railways by saving upto Rs 1.24 lakh per coach year.

The train in trial has one of its non-AC coach fitted with solar panel on the rooftop. Out of the 40 sq metre of space on the roof of the coach, about 24 sq metre is covered with solar panels. Each coach generates nearly 17 units of power every day. This reduces the railways diesel consumption by 90,000 litres. The train however will use diesel engines to be pulled forward, while the solar panels will provide power to the lights, fans, AC’s, etc.

On success of the prototype trials, the entire train will be fitted with solar panels. The Indian Railways have also been focusing on alternate source of fuels with trials already on to use sources like CNG, biodiesel and natural gas among others.