Indian Railways Installs 209 MW of Solar Power Across 2,249 Stations and Service Buildings

Indian Railways has made significant strides in expanding its solar power infrastructure, achieving a total installed capacity of 209 MW across 2,249 railway stations and service buildings as of February 2025.

These developments were disclosed in a written reply by Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the Lok Sabha.

He further said that  this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and long-term financial savings. Over the past five years, Indian Railways has witnessed a remarkable acceleration in solar power adoption, with 1,489 new installations whihc is 2.3 times more than the 628 units installed in the previous five years.

As per the data, Rajasthan leads the solar expansion efforts, boasting the highest number of installations at 275, followed closely by Maharashtra (270) and West Bengal (237). Other states with significant solar capacity include Uttar Pradesh (204), Andhra Pradesh (198), and Karnataka (146). The widespread adoption of solar power reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to sustainable energy solutions.

To achieve its renewable energy goals, Indian Railways has relied heavily on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under the developer mode, enabling large-scale deployment of solar plants. Additionally, it has adopted a Round-The-Clock (RTC) power procurement strategy, incorporating a hybrid approach that combines solar and wind energy. This approach ensures a continuous and stable power supply while maximizing the use of renewable energy sources.

Despite its success, Indian Railways has encountered several challenges in implementing solar projects, including regulatory constraints, power evacuation difficulties, and connectivity issues. To address these challenges, it has actively engaged with state governments and transmission utilities, working towards smoother integration of solar power into the railway network. The proactive approach has facilitated the expansion of solar infrastructure and ensured compliance with regulatory frameworks.

The expansion of solar power in Indian Railways is a key step toward achieving carbon neutrality and energy self-sufficiency, positioning the rail network as a leader in sustainable transportation.