Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first solar-powered railway station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The station, which is part of the Indian Railways’ efforts to go green, will be powered entirely by solar energy. This move marks a significant step towards reducing the country’s carbon footprint and achieving its renewable energy goals.
The railway station, which will cater to over 1,000 passengers daily, will be running entirely on solar power, thanks to a 500 kW solar panel installation. The project, which was implemented at a cost of ₹2.5 crores, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 2,500 kg per year.
According to railway officials, the station will also have a rainwater harvesting system, which will provide water for non-potable purposes. Additionally, the station will have energy-efficient LED lighting and other measures to reduce energy consumption.
Why it matters
The launch of the solar-powered railway station is a significant step towards making India’s transportation sector more sustainable. As the country aims to increase its renewable energy share to 40% by 2030, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
What’s next
The Indian Railways has plans to launch more solar-powered railway stations across the country. The project is expected to create a model for other states to follow, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable transportation sector in India.