In a major push toward sustainability, Indian Railways has installed 2,249 solar power plants at railway stations and service buildings across India as of February 2025. Rajasthan leads all states and union territories with 275 solar installations, showcasing its commitment to green energy adoption in the rail sector.
Top 3 States in Solar Railway Installations:
- Rajasthan – 275 Installations
- Maharashtra – 270
- West Bengal – 237
Indian Railways’ Green Energy Vision
Total Installations (Nationwide): 2,249 railway stations and service buildings now host solar plants.
Goal: Indian Railways aims to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
Installed Solar Capacity (as of April 2025): 209 MW across railway stations and service buildings.
Future Target: To install 20 GW of solar capacity by 2030 using vacant railway land.
Energy Procurement & Deployment Strategy:
Power Procurement Models:
- Round-the-Clock (RTC) Power: A hybrid model using both solar and wind energy.
- Developer Mode via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Long-term agreements with independent power producers for cost-effective solar energy.
- Most installations are being set up under the developer mode, reducing capital investment by the Railways while promoting clean energy partnerships.
Progress in Solar Adoption Over Time:
- Past 5 Years (2019–2024):
1,489 solar units installed — 2.3x more than the 628 units installed in the previous five years (2014–2019). - National Solar Growth (FY 2024–25):
India added 25 GW of renewable capacity, including 6 GW from solar, pushing total installed solar capacity to 21 GW by March 2025.
Challenges Faced: To address challenges, Indian Railways is coordinating with State Governments and Transmission Utilities to streamline project execution and ensure timely connectivity. They include:
- Regulatory Constraints
- Power Evacuation Delays
- Connectivity Issues
Significance & Impact
Cost Savings: Reduced dependence on grid electricity translates into long-term operational savings.
Environmental Benefits: Boosts India’s fight against climate change by minimizing the carbon footprint of one of the largest transportation networks in the world.
Policy Alignment: Supports India’s national renewable energy goals and international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.