Portable Solar panels in railway tracks of Varanasi and It becomes the first City in India

Indian Railways introduces Portable Solar Panels in Railway Tracks of Varanasi, India’s first removable solar system boosting clean energy & sustainability.

Portable Solar Panels in Railway Tracks of Varanasi

Indian Railways Marks Green Energy, Freight, and Electrification Milestones in 2025. Indian Railways has introduced a major eco-friendly innovation by setting up the country’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks. Installed at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, this project highlights the railways’ strong push towards renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

Green Energy Milestone at BLW, Varanasi

On August 19, 2025, Indian Railways launched a 70-metre removable solar panel system at Banaras Locomotive Works. The setup includes 28 panels generating 15 kWp of power, placed between railway tracks. Its removable design makes maintenance easier and allows smooth integration without disturbing train operations.

Key Highlights

• Location: Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi
• System Size: 70-metre stretch with 28 solar panels
• Power Capacity: 15 kWp renewable energy output
• Design: Removable setup for easy maintenance and operational flexibility

This initiative is the first of its kind in Indian Railways, supporting the larger mission of carbon neutrality and promoting renewable energy in the transport sector.

Freight Operations: New Salt Logistics Route from Bhuj

Alongside its green energy efforts, Indian Railways is also boosting freight connectivity. On August 10, 2025, the first rake carrying industrial salt was dispatched from Sanosara (Bhuj–Naliya section) to Dahej, creating new trade opportunities for Gujarat’s salt industry.

Key Highlights

• Freight Type: Industrial salt
• Total Quantity: 3,851.2 tonnes
• Route: Sanosara to Dahej (673.57 km)
• Revenue Earned: ₹31.69 lakh
• Date of Loading: August 9, 2025

This new logistics service boosts the regional industrial ecosystem while reaffirming Indian Railways’ role as the backbone of affordable and efficient freight transport.

Electrification Breakthrough at Nagda-Khachrod Section

In another major step for railway infrastructure, Western Railway has commissioned India’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at the Nagda–Khachrod section in Madhya Pradesh, under the Ratlam Division.

System Features

• Two Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers
• Efficient power supply to the Overhead Equipment (OHE)
• First-ever use of Scott Transformer Technology in India

The Nagda traction sub-station stands as a milestone in India’s next-gen electrification drive, designed to cut transmission losses and boost energy efficiency along heavy-load railway corridors.

Portable Solar Panels in Railway Tracks: Varanasi Leads India’s Green Innovation

Varanasi has made a remarkable entry into India’s renewable energy journey by becoming the first city where portable solar panels have been installed between railway tracks. At Banaras Locomotive Works, Indian Railways introduced a removable solar system designed to generate clean electricity without affecting train movement.

This innovative setup not only supports sustainable infrastructure but also shows how traditional transport systems can adapt to modern green technology. It marks an important step toward reducing carbon emissions and strengthening India’s commitment to eco-friendly railway operations.

Summary

Indian Railways has taken a major step toward sustainability by installing India’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works in Varanasi. This 70-metre setup generates clean energy while allowing easy maintenance without disrupting train operations. Along with other developments like new freight routes and advanced electrification systems, this initiative highlights Railways’ focus on green energy, improved efficiency, and future-ready infrastructure across the country.

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