Big milestone for Railways as it achieves 100 per cent electrification in Uttar Pradesh

This is in tandem with Indian Railway’s ambitious aim to reduce its carbon footprint to achieve ‘Net-zero Carbon Emission’ by 2030.

Progressively, the Railways also has plans to shift to renewables, dovetailing to India’s global commitment to renewable energy as part of various international ‘climate’ negotiations. The projected energy demand of the Railways in 2029-30 is expected to be about 8,200 megawatts (MW). To achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission, expected requirement of renewable capacity by 2029-30 would be about 30,000 MW, officials said.

About 143 MW of solar plants (both on rooftops and on land) and about 103 MW of wind power plants have been commissioned. In addition about 2,150 MW of renewable energy capacity has also been tied up, as per official data.

A few years ago, railway engineers had also toyed with the idea of solar-powered trains.

However, the findings indicated that solar power, working only during day time, generates battery backup of approximately four to five hours. It was also found that the system does not work properly during fog/rain and winter season and battery backup goes down to two to three hours depending upon weather conditions. In light of these, the project was not pursued further.

However, Railways will continue to maintain a fleet of around 2,000 diesel locomotives, accounting for contingencies and such needs.