In a pioneering move that is set to redefine sustainable transport, Indian Railways has successfully commissioned the country’s first removable solar panel system installed directly between railway tracks. The groundbreaking project, a pilot at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, is a significant step towards the national transporter’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The installation, which was officially unveiled on August 15, 2025, consists of a 70-meter stretch fitted with 28 solar panels. The system, with a peak capacity of 15 kWp (kilowatt-peak), is designed to generate approximately 67 units of electricity per day. This clean energy will be used to power auxiliary services at the railway workshop, such as lighting and signaling, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
What makes this project unique is its innovative use of space and its removable design. The panels are indigenously designed to be mounted on the sleepers—the support beams beneath the tracks—without disrupting train traffic. They are secured with an epoxy adhesive and rubber pads to withstand vibrations. For maintenance or track work, the panels can be quickly detached by simply removing four bolts, a feature that addresses a major challenge for trackside solar installations.
BLW officials have highlighted the project’s scalability, noting that with a vast network of 1.2 lakh kilometers, Indian Railways can potentially deploy this technology on yard lines across the country without the need for additional land acquisition. This initiative, developed entirely in-house by BLW engineers, complements the existing rooftop solar plants on railway buildings and is a testament to India’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology for a greener future.
