In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable infrastructure, Indian Railways has unveiled an innovative solar energy system by installing panels directly between operational rail lines at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi. This pilot project, commissioned on August 15, 2025, represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, harnessing unused space for clean power generation and aligning with the national transporter’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Pioneering Solar Integration on Railway Tracks
The setup at BLW features a 70-meter stretch equipped with 28 photovoltaic panels, delivering a peak capacity of 15 kilowatts. Mounted on concrete sleepers using specialized adhesives and vibration-resistant pads, the system is designed for easy removal during track maintenance, ensuring no disruption to train services. Early estimates suggest it could produce around 67 units of electricity daily, contributing to the facility’s energy needs while demonstrating scalability for broader application.
🚨 For the first time, Indian Railways has placed solar panels between active tracks at BLW Varanasi.
— Deepak Soni (@__deepaksoni) August 18, 2025
🔋 28 panels, 15 kWp output
🌍 Potential: 321,000 kWh/km annually
Game changer for sustainable railways! 🚆☀️#IndianRailways #GreenEnergy #Solar pic.twitter.com/vhWgLxMuOZ
This development stems from Indian Railways’ ongoing push for renewable sources, building on earlier efforts like rooftop installations across 960 stations and 198 megawatts of capacity already operational. The Varanasi project, developed in-house by BLW engineers, cleverly utilizes the gaps between tracks—spaces traditionally left idle—to generate power without requiring additional land acquisition.
Key Details: Innovation Meets Practicality
- Technical Specs: The removable panels are affixed with epoxy and rubber supports to withstand train vibrations, allowing quick disassembly for upkeep.
- Energy Output: Projected to yield approximately 321,000 kilowatt-hours per kilometer annually if expanded, offsetting fossil fuel reliance.
- Strategic Location: Chosen for BLW’s role as a major locomotive hub, the site serves as a testing ground for integrating solar tech into high-traffic rail environments.
- Broader Rollout: Part of a plan to solarize 2,249 stations and service buildings, with 1,489 units added in the last five years alone.
The initiative draws from global experiments, such as Switzerland’s Sun-Ways project, which tested panels on tracks to generate terawatt-hours without visual or land impacts.
Expert Opinions: A Step Toward Green Railways
Industry specialists commend the move as a smart fusion of technology and infrastructure. In a LinkedIn post, energy consultant Ayush Bajpai described it as a “milestone in sustainability,” noting how it maximizes underused assets for renewable output. “This could transform India’s vast 1.2 lakh km rail network into a power generator, slashing emissions and costs,” he wrote, estimating potential for gigawatt-scale energy if scaled.
On YouTube, channels like those from railway enthusiasts, with videos exceeding 100,000 views, analyze the project’s viability. One expert explained, “Unlike rooftop setups, track-based panels avoid shading issues and integrate seamlessly, but vibration resistance is key to longevity.” They referenced successful pilots in Europe, where similar systems withstand high speeds without compromising safety.
Environmental analysts from TERI applaud the zero-land-use aspect, aligning with India’s net-zero goals. A report from the organization highlights that railways consume 18 billion units of electricity yearly, and innovations like this could cut dependence on coal-fired power by 20-30% in targeted zones.
Critics, however, raise durability concerns. In a Down to Earth analysis, experts warn of dust accumulation and maintenance challenges in India’s diverse climates, suggesting regular cleaning mechanisms to sustain efficiency.
Analyzing the Initiative: Potential and Challenges
This Varanasi project positions Indian Railways as a leader in green transport, potentially generating terawatt-hours annually across its network without extra land costs. Economically, it could save billions in energy bills—railways spent Rs 12,000 crore on power in 2024—while creating jobs in solar maintenance and tech.
Broader impacts include reduced carbon footprint: With 209 MW of solar already installed, expansions could offset emissions equivalent to planting millions of trees, per ministry data. It also supports global trends, like solar-powered trains in Australia and the UK, where panels on tracks power signals and stations.
Challenges persist: High initial costs (around Rs 5-7 crore per MW) and technical hurdles like panel resilience in monsoons. A World Bank study on rail renewables notes scalability issues in high-density networks, recommending phased rollouts.
Politically, it advances India’s renewable targets under the National Solar Mission, but experts urge incentives like subsidies to accelerate adoption. As BLW’s pilot proves successful, it could inspire similar integrations worldwide, turning railways from energy consumers to producers.
This innovation not only powers tracks but also illuminates a path to sustainable mobility. As Indian Railways expands its green footprint, the Varanasi project stands as a beacon of ingenuity in the face of climate challenges.
