North Central Railway has begun a pilot project to generate electricity by installing solar panels on the roofs of train coaches. The trial has been carried out on two selected coaches in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Railway officials said the initiative is part of wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Indian Railways has already been producing renewable energy by setting up solar units and windmills on railway-owned land.
In addition, solar panels have been installed on station rooftops with private participation to generate electricity for use in railway operations.
Under the new coach-based model, electricity generated from the rooftop panels is routed to batteries. The stored power is then used for onboard lighting, fans and mobile charging facilities.
Following the initial trial on two coaches, the Railways plans to equip two more coaches every month. Officials said the project is expected to be expanded across the country in the coming period.
