Indian Railways has made significant progress in its commitment to renewable energy, achieving a milestone of 2,249 solar power plants installed at railway stations and service buildings across the country by February 2025. This growth is consistent with the government’s policies to promote renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and long-term financial savings.
Over the past five years, Indian Railways has installed 1,489 solar units, a 2.3-fold increase from the 628 units installed in the preceding five years. Rajasthan has emerged as the leading state with the highest number of installations at 275. Indian Railways is actively procuring renewable energy through various power procurement models, including Round The Clock power, a hybrid solution that integrates solar and wind energy. Most solar plants are set up under the Power Purchase Agreement in developer mode.
Despite challenges facing the implementation of solar power, such as regulatory constraints, power evacuation, and connectivity issues, Indian Railways has engaged with state governments and transmission utilities to resolve them. With 209 megawatts of solar capacity installed so far, the railway’s transition to renewable energy is an ongoing process aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring a sustainable future.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The expansion of solar power is an significant step towards reducing India’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, Indian Railways’ commitment to renewable energy serves as a model for other industries to follow.