In a groundbreaking stride toward sustainable technology, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has introduced a state-of-the-art smart road on its campus that charges using sunlight during the day and illuminates itself at night, revolutionizing the concept of eco-friendly infrastructure.
The innovative road is embedded with solar photovoltaic panels that absorb solar energy throughout the day. At night, this stored energy powers smart LED lighting, eliminating the need for conventional street lighting and reducing the campus’s carbon footprint.
According to project leads, the smart road is also equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, traffic flow, and surface conditions, enhancing safety and efficiency in real time.
“This initiative demonstrates IIT Kharagpur’s leadership in merging renewable energy with intelligent design,” said Dr. Animesh Sinha, head of the project. “Our goal is to inspire sustainable infrastructure development across India.”
The project not only reflects India’s advancing technological capabilities but also serves as a model for smart city planning, aligning with the country’s broader Green India Mission and climate action goals.
With this achievement, IIT Kharagpur has positioned itself at the forefront of smart and sustainable innovation, paving the way for similar technologies to be implemented in urban and rural settings alike.
