Solar-powered trains? Indian Railways launches coach trials
Indian Railways tests solar-powered train coaches with rooftop panels to generate clean energy for lights, fans and charging points while reducing emissions.
Solar panels are commonly seen on rooftops of homes and offices, but Indian Railways is now testing them on moving train coaches in a first-of-its-kind green energy initiative. The experimental project enables train coaches to generate clean electricity for essential passenger facilities, including lights, fans and charging points.
The Prayagraj Division of the North Central Railway has installed rooftop solar panels with a capacity of 7 kilowatts on each coach. According to Chief Public Relations Officer Dr. Shivam Sharma, the electricity generated by the panels is stored in a battery bank and used to power the coach's lighting and other electrical systems.
Following successful trials across different weather conditions and regions, Indian Railways may expand the project to more express and passenger trains.
Published: 27 Jul 2026, 02:47 pm IST
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