Varanasi became the first city in India to install removable solar panels between active railway tracks. The pilot project, launched at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), marks a breakthrough in renewable energy innovation using previously idle track space to produce clean electricity without acquiring new land.

“The panels are designed to endure Indian conditions from heat to rain and dust, and the continuous vibration of trains. At the same time, they can be removed in minutes, making maintenance hassle-free.”

An Ingenious Design Using Idle Railway Space

Spanning 70 meters within the BLW campus, the pilot includes 28 high-efficiency bifacial solar panels capable of generating around 67 units of electricity daily. The system is designed to withstand train vibrations panels are mounted on rubber pads and fixed with epoxy adhesive yet can be removed easily for track maintenance.

Each module measures over two meters long and operates with a 21.31% efficiency rate. The 15 kWp system demonstrates how India’s 1.2 lakh km rail network could become a source of clean power. Engineers estimate every kilometer of solar track could produce nearly 3.5 lakh units of electricity annually, a potential game-changer for Indian Railways’ energy future.

A Vision for Sustainable Railways

BLW General Manager Naresh Pal Singh described the initiative as “a way of rethinking existing infrastructure for sustainability.” With this innovation, Indian Railways can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and take a significant step toward India’s net-zero carbon emission goal by 2070.

According to reports, the panels’ removable design, simple maintenance, and lack of land requirement make them ideal for scaling. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the system as “an engineering feat” and said it represents Indian Railways’ ambition to become the world’s largest green railway.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw referred to the effort as a model for the future. “The removable solar panel system is not just an engineering feat but a promise that Indian Railways will lead the way in becoming the world’s largest green railway.”

Power Potential and Environmental Impact

Engineers estimate that each kilometer of track could host a 220 kWp capacity system, producing nearly 880 units of electricity daily. If expanded across the network, the impact could be transformational offsetting millions of tonnes of carbon emissions and powering hundreds of small towns.

Currently, Indian Railways consumes about 18 billion units of electricity annually. The introduction of track-mounted solar systems could significantly cut this figure, complementing existing rooftop and station-based solar installations.

“I’ve worked at BLW for 20 years,” said technician Ramesh Gupta. “We used to only think about building engines. Today, we are building a future where trains themselves help power our lives. It makes me proud”, as reported by The Better India.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the pilot has drawn global attention, officials admit that scaling the model poses challenges. Dust accumulation, high installation costs, and maintenance logistics will require innovation and training. Yet, railway engineers remain optimistic that these obstacles can be overcome.

Chief Electrical Engineer Bhardwaj Chaudhary, who led the project, said, “This isn’t just about producing electricity, it’s about changing how we think about infrastructure.”

From historic ghats to futuristic tracks, Varanasi now stands as a beacon of sustainability, proving that even the busiest transport network can help power India’s clean energy future.

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