A Bright Future on Indian Rail Tracks
Rajasthan Takes the Lead in Indian Railways’ Solar Power Expansion : The Indian Railways is making remarkable progress in green energy adoption. As of February 2025, a total of 209 MW of solar capacity has been installed across 2,249 stations and service buildings—over twice the solar output achieved in the last five years. Rajasthan is at the forefront of this drive, with 275 solar installations, followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal.
Why Solar Power on Railway Stations Matters
The shift to solar aims at cutting carbon emissions and reducing long-term electricity costs. Indian Railways employs the Round The Clock (RTC) hybrid power model—combining solar and wind energy—supported through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These agreements ensure affordable, uninterrupted energy for railway infrastructure.
Challenges in Scaling Up Solar Adoption
Despite the success, states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala lag due to transmission bottlenecks, delayed clearances, and grid connectivity issues. In contrast, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have managed to scale quickly due to efficient coordination and implementation of policy frameworks.
Rajasthan’s Solar Surge Sets a Benchmark
Rajasthan recorded over 200 new installations since 2020, thanks to its favorable climate and proactive state policies. West Bengal also made significant strides—jumping from just 12 units before 2020 to 237 total installations by 2025—showcasing how reforms can accelerate progress.
Vision for the Future: Carbon Neutrality
The broader vision is to make Indian Railways a carbon-neutral transporter. Plans include scaling hybrid RTC models, expanding to underserved regions like Himachal Pradesh and Union Territories, and collaborating with private energy developers to decentralize solar adoption.
Static GK Snapshot Table
Rajasthan Takes the Lead in Indian Railways’ Solar Power Expansion :
| Topic | Details |
| Total Railway Installations | 2,249 stations and service buildings |
| Highest Contributing State | Rajasthan – 275 installations |
| Growth Rate | 2.3x increase in 5 years |
| Power Model Used | RTC (solar + wind) under PPAs |
| Solar Installations (2014–20) | 628 units |
| Solar Installations (2020–25) | 1,489 units |
| Other Top States | Maharashtra – 270, West Bengal – 237 |
| Challenge Areas | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh |
| Long-Term Goal | Carbon-neutral railway infrastructure |
