The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has successfully launched India’s first solar-on-track system at the Namo Bharat Depot in Duhai. This innovative project is the first of its kind in any Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) or metro network in the country, marking a significant milestone in integrating renewable energy within transportation infrastructure. The installation aims to harness clean solar power directly from metro tracks, optimising unused space and reducing carbon emissions.

How the Solar-On-Track System Works

The pilot solar-on-track system has been installed over a 70-metre stretch on the Pit Wheel Track at the Duhai depot. It features 28 high-capacity solar panels, each rated at 550 Wp, resulting in a total plant capacity of 15.4 kWp. This setup is expected to generate approximately 17,500 kWh of clean electricity annually. The energy produced will contribute significantly to the depot’s operations, cutting down an estimated 16 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

This project reflects NCRTC’s firm commitment to sustainable operations and innovative clean energy solutions. By utilising an otherwise unused area beneath the tracks, the system optimally exploits infrastructure space while moving closer to the organisation’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero energy consumption across all its facilities. The solar-on-track technology represents a practical solution to integrate renewable energy in urban transit networks efficiently.

NCRTC’s Broader Renewable Energy Vision

Under its comprehensive solar policy, NCRTC plans to source around 70% of its total energy requirements from renewable sources. The organisation is targeting an in-house solar power generation capacity of 15 MW peak through installations across rooftops of stations, depots, and other buildings along the Namo Bharat corridor. As of now, about 5.5 MW of solar power capacity is already operational, powering various components of the corridor’s infrastructure.

The introduction of the solar-on-track system is seen as a vital progression in scaling up renewable energy usage within the rapid transit network. The project aligns well with India’s National Solar Mission and broader commitments to climate action and sustainable development. Alongside solar installations, NCRTC is also implementing other green initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, and advanced regenerative braking systems in the Namo Bharat trains. The regenerative braking technology converts the trains’ kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration, further enhancing overall energy efficiency.

This pioneering solar-on-track system at the Duhai depot sets a precedent for future renewable energy projects within urban transport systems in India. It underscores NCRTC’s leadership in adopting smart, sustainable infrastructure solutions that contribute meaningfully to India’s clean energy goals and environmental responsibility.

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