August 23, 2025: In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting green energy and sustainability, Indian Railways has commissioned its first-of-its-kind removable solar panel system between railway tracks at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi. The pilot project, inaugurated today, is a significant step towards the national rail network’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The system has been installed over a 70-meter stretch of track and comprises 28 bifacial monocrystalline solar panels with a combined peak capacity of 15 kilowatts. Designed to be removable, the panels are mounted on concrete sleepers using rubber pads and epoxy adhesives, allowing them to be taken away during routine track maintenance without affecting train operations.
According to officials, the solar installation is expected to generate approximately 880 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily. This output will cater to the energy requirements of the BLW workshop, reducing reliance on conventional power sources and demonstrating the potential for renewable energy integration in railway operations.
The initiative leverages underutilized track space, eliminating the need for additional land acquisition and presenting a cost-effective, scalable model for replication across the country. Experts believe that if adopted widely, such innovations could substantially contribute to Indian Railways’ net-zero target, while excess electricity generated could be fed into the national grid, creating additional revenue streams.
Railway authorities have termed the project a “strategic and environmentally conscious move” and emphasized that it reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to sustainable infrastructure. The success of the BLW pilot is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar projects across India’s vast rail network.
With the commissioning of this removable solar panel system, Indian Railways has set a precedent in harnessing clean energy, reinforcing its role in advancing the country’s renewable energy agenda and showcasing innovation in the transport sector.
