Prayagraj: In a major step towards greener rail travel, the North Central Railway (NCR) has developed a solar-assisted passenger coach that uses rooftop solar panels to power onboard amenities such as lights, fans and mobile charging points. The pilot project, developed in Prayagraj, is expected to pave the way for cleaner and more energy-efficient passenger transportation across Indian Railways.The innovative coach has been fitted with high-efficiency rooftop solar photovoltaic panels capable of generating nearly 7 kWp of clean energy. The electricity produced by these panels supplements the charging of the coach’s battery bank, which powers passenger amenities such as lighting, fans and mobile charging points. By directly harnessing solar energy during the day, the system reduces the load on the conventional axle-driven charging mechanism and improves overall energy utilisation.Chief PRO, NCR, Shivam Sharma, said that traditionally, electrical power in ICF passenger coaches is generated through an axle-driven alternator mounted beneath the coach. The alternator, mechanically connected to the coach axle through a belt arrangement, generates electricity only when the train is in motion. While this system has served Indian Railways efficiently for decades, it involves mechanical and electrical conversion losses and remains dependent on train movement.“The newly developed solar-assisted system overcomes these limitations by generating electricity directly from sunlight, making coach operations more sustainable and energy-efficient,” he added.The pilot installation is also expected to improve battery life, reduce maintenance requirements, lower dependence on conventional charging arrangements and provide more reliable electrical services for passengers.The project has received close attention from NCR general manager Naresh Pal Singh, who personally monitored its progress and, last week, inspected the solar-assisted coach to review its functioning. During the inspection, he appreciated the efforts of the officers and technical staff associated with the project and stressed the need to adopt innovative technologies that promote energy conservation and environmental sustainability.“This pilot project reflects the zone’s continued commitment to green initiatives, technological innovation and efficient utilisation of energy resources. The experience gained through this initiative will provide valuable inputs for the future deployment of renewable energy technologies in passenger coaches across Indian Railways,” Sharma said.
