Solar plants to be set up on 2,700 acres Central Railway land

Nagpur: The Central Railway in its commitment to renewable energy, has decided to develop 1MW solar plants at 81 locations throughout its network including one at Ajni in Nagpur.“To facilitate the installation of the solar plants, we have identified around 2,700 acres of vacant or unused railway land. These locations hold immense potential for the development of solar power infrastructure and will help in further reducing the Indian railway’s carbon emissions,” said Shivraj Manaspure, chief public relations officer (CPRO).

“This ambitious project will further augment the railway’s solar energy capacity and promote sustainable practices across its operations,” he added.The Central Railway has already empowered sustainability efforts with solar rooftop plants and an expanded solar capacity of 135kWp (kilowatt peak) has been installed at multiple stations in June 2023.The solar rooftop plants have been successfully installed at Osmanabad, Barshi, Wadsinge, Salgare, Parewadi, Mohol, and Tilati in Solapur division, besides Kala Akhar, Pola Patthar, Maramjhiri, Taku, Jaulkhera, and Dodaramohar in Nagpur division.Central Railway has successfully secured a tender for a 1MW capacity solar plant at the new electric loco shed at Ajni. Through a power purchase agreement (PPA), this plant will generate clean energy and contribute to reducing the railway’s reliance on non-renewable resources.Manaspure said, “Furthermore, we have plans to develop a 1MW solar plant in Pune through the PPA mode. This project signifies the railway’s commitment to expanding its solar energy footprint and fostering a greener future.”