Bhubaneswar: In line with Indian Railways’ commitment to sustainability, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) is set to implement a significant green energy project by installing Rooftop Solar Power Plants across its jurisdiction. This initiative aims to enhance the use of renewable energy and reduce operational costs.
ECoR plans to install a total capacity of 21,826 kWp through solar power plants, which is expected to save approximately ₹14 crores on energy bills and ₹91.41 lakh from carbon credits. The project will cover a broad spectrum of facilities, including 149 station buildings, 248 service buildings, 6,924 residential buildings, and 366 level crossing gates.
The railway has already floated tenders for the installation of solar power plants across various sections, with a total estimated cost of ₹83.79 crores. Key areas of focus include:
- Brahmapur-Palasa Railway Section: ₹9.13 crores
- Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Paradeep-Bhadrak Railway Section: ₹8.86 crores
- Angul Section: ₹9.48 crores
- Headquarters Area in Bhubaneswar: ₹9.10 crores
- Khurda Road-Puri Section: ₹8.74 crores
- Paradeep-Kendujhargarh Railway Section: ₹8.10 crores
- Visakhapatnam Area: ₹7.25 crores
- Visakhapatnam Electric Loco Shed Area: ₹7.10 crores
- Duvvada-Palasa Main Line/Naupada-Gunupur/Vizianagaram-Rayagada Area: ₹8.78 crores
- Kottavalasa-Kirandul Rail Line Section: ₹7.53 crores
Major installations include the Headquarters Building, Rail Sadan at Chandrasekharpur, and other significant station buildings which will feature rooftop solar power systems. Additionally, level crossing gates throughout the ECoR jurisdiction will also be equipped with solar and renewable energy systems.
ECoR’s commitment to maximizing the use of solar energy will meet daily power needs for stations and service buildings, contributing to significant environmental benefits while reducing expenditures. This move underscores the railway’s dedication to sustainable practices and its role in the broader goal of enhancing green energy adoption across India’s infrastructure sectors.