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The Railways is looking to harness solar energy and start using bio-diesel as part of its energy conservation initiatives.
“It is proposed to harness solar energy by using roof-top spaces of railway stations, other railway buildings and land through the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode,” Railways Minister DV Sadananda Gowda said.
Solar panel manufacturers welcomed the initiative.
“There is so much unused space above railway stations and so much land available that it will certainly help the Railways save on its burgeoning energy costs,” said HR Gupta, Managing Director, Indosolar Ltd, and a spokesperson for the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association.
“There was already a pilot project started by the previous government and it is very heartening to see the programme being continued,” Gupta added.
To keep in check its fuel costs, which are estimated to have risen 23 per cent over last year to ₹35,181.31 crore, the Railways will also start using bio-diesel up to 5 per cent of the total fuel consumption in diesel locomotives. “This will save precious foreign exchange substantially,” Gowda said.
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