Country’s First Solar-Powered Train Flagged Off, Likely To Save 21,000 Litres Of Diesel 

New Delhi: With a view to making the country's vast railway network more environment friendly, the Indian Railways has launched its first solar-powered train in New Delhi. With the solar panels, 7,200kw of energy, which will be used to power internal lights, fans and electrical systems in the coaches, can be generated.

The proposal is said to be saving around 21,000 litres of diesel every year by bringing down the carbon footprints by nine tonnes every year.

According to the reports, total of 1,600 horsepower Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains are getting fixed with 16 solar panels on each carriage which would also be served as battery back-ups.

Addressing a press conference, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that the Indian Railways is taking a path-breaking leap towards the goal of making trains environment friendly.

The solar panels will last for 25 years and the officials would frequently monitor and inspect them on a regular basis, he said.