According to officials, the Indian Railways (IR) will provide 20 non-air conditioned coaches fitted with solar panels to Kangra Valley and Kalka-Shimla sections of Himachal Pradesh on a trial basis.
According to a statement issued by Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, IR has taken a decision to provide solar panels on rooftops of two general coaches of intercity trains and 50 per cent narrow gauge coaches plying on the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar route in Kangra Valley section and Kalka-Shimla section for extended trials for one year in all weather conditions.
The solar panels, which will generate power for lighting system of the coaches, are fitted on the rooftop of 18 narrow gauge coaches and two broad gauge coaches.
According to studies, using solar energy to power a train can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90,000 litres per year, and also bring down carbon dioxide emission by over 200 tonnes.
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