Prayagraj: The North Central Railway (NCR) has planned to install advanced solar panels based on Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology at its railway hospital in Tundla as an effort towards the goal of net-zero carbon emission.Railway officials said that the modern on-grid BIPV solar power plant will be installed at the Tundla railway hospital to meet a substantial portion of its electricity requirements. An e-tender for the project was already issued, and the bidding process is expected to open in March. Once finalised, the installation work is likely to be completed by Oct this year. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 1.24 crore.Unlike conventional solar installations, BIPV technology integrates solar cells directly into the building structure, such as roofs or facades, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures. This not only saves roof space but also enhances the modern architectural appearance of the building. The solar panels function both as a source of renewable electricity and as part of the building’s construction material, making the structure more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.According to the authorities, with this initiative, the railway hospital is expected to move closer to the concept of a ‘green building’. After the completion of the Tundla project, similar solar installations are planned for other railway hospitals and administrative buildings across the division.PRO, Prayagraj division of NCR, Amit Kumar Singh, said that the initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ long-term sustainability targets. The Prayagraj division of NCR has already emerged as one of the leading railway divisions in adopting renewable energy solutions.Currently, the NCR has an installed solar capacity of about 16.2 MW and generates around 11.5 million units of electricity annually through solar plants at stations, service buildings, workshops, and offices. These installations helped the railway significantly reduce electricity costs and lower its carbon footprint.Officials say the continued expansion of solar infrastructure across railway premises demonstrates NCR’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. By integrating advanced technologies such as BIPV, the railway aims to make its infrastructure more energy-efficient while contributing to national renewable energy goals.
