Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor: Ghaziabad’s Duhai becomes second Indian city to get solar panels between tracks
Delhi Meerut RRTS solar panels, Namo Bharat solar project: This initiative has been implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) as part of its strategy to develop a greener and more sustainable transport network.
Solar power generation in India, Delhi Meerut RRTS Update:Ghaziabad’s Duhai has become the second city in India to feature solar panels installed between railway tracks. This initiative has been implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) as part of its strategy to develop a greener and more sustainable transport network.
Solar on railway tracks
Earlier, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi had commissioned the country’s first solar panel system installed between railway tracks. It rolled out this pilot project in its workshop line number 19 with an indigenously-designed installation procedure to lay solar panels between the rails without disrupting train traffic.
NCRTC has implemented an innovative ‘Solar on Track’ project at the Namo Bharat Depot in Duhai located in Ghaziabad. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in any RRTS or Metro system in India.
Solar on Namo Bharat train tracks
NCRTC has installed this pilot project on the Pit Wheel Track at the Namo Bharat Depot in Duhai, featuring 28 solar panels of 550 Wp each, with a total plant capacity of 15.4 kWp spread over 70 metres of track length. This is expected to generate about 17,500 kWh of energy annually, resulting in an estimated reduction of 16 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
“The ‘Solar on Track’ system demonstrates NCRTC’s continuous commitment to adopting innovative and sustainable practices in its operations. The installation not only utilises otherwise unused track space but also contributes to NCRTC’s larger goal of achieving net-zero energy consumption across its facilities,” NCRTC said in a statement.
Renewable energy, Namo Bharat train
NCRTC aims to meet around 70 per cent of its total energy needs from renewable sources. Under its solar policy, it is targeting to generate 15 MW peak in-house solar power on rooftops of stations, depots, and other buildings, with 5.5 MW already operational.
Under its solar policy, NCRTC aims to enhance the share of renewable energy across its system by generating solar power. The Namo Bharat trains are also equipped with advanced regenerative braking systems that convert the train’s kinetic energy into electrical energy during braking.
Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors.
Professional Journey
Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com.
Education & Expertise
Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities:
Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University
Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication
Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta
Areas of Coverage
Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More