Manohar Lal Inaugurates India’s First Vertical Bi-facial Solar Plant at Okhla Vihar Metro Station
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal highlighted the importance of energy efficiency and clean power at the 5th International Conference on Green Metro Systems, where he inaugurated India's first vertical bi-facial solar plant on the Delhi Metro Viaduct at Okhla Vihar Metro station.
February 19, 2025. By Mrinmoy Dey
The conference, organised by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) under the i-Metro initiative, was held in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
At the conference, the Minister inaugurated India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant installation on the Metro Viaduct at Okhla Vihar Metro station and a 1 MW rooftop solar power plant installed at Khyber Pass depot. The bi-facial panels are designed to capture sunlight from both sides. It will take advantage of the metro’s elevated structure for solar energy generation without occupying any additional land. This is an innovative step in making metro rail operations more sustainable and contributes to renewable energy goals.
“Technological advancements, like vertical solar panels and energy-efficient LED systems, pave the way for sustainable urban living. Furthermore, responsible consumption—whether in air conditioning usage or minimising wastage—can have a profound impact on energy conservation,” said Lal.
He also commended DMRC for its use of solar energy in Metro operations with 50 MWp rooftop solar capacity already installed with plans underway for the installation of 60 MWp.
Lal stressed upon the need for eco-friendly urban transit and urged experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to innovate for greener, more liveable cities. “Together, let’s build Metro systems that drive a cleaner, sustainable future,” he said.
Reflecting on India's progress in sustainability, he pointed to the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which, despite initial scepticism, has transformed the country's landscape and gained global recognition. He called for collective action in pollution reduction, water conservation, and eco-friendly mobility, urging a balance between development and environmental responsibility for a healthier future.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
Manjula Girish
Business Head, EV Charging and Photovoltaic Inverter Division
Driving Sustainability: Delta Electronics' Vision for Renewable Energy and EV Charging
Dhiman Roy
CEO and Director
Breaking Barriers in Green Hydrogen: GreenH Electrolysis’ Vision for Industrial Decarbonisation
Nilabh Jha
Chief Technology Officer
Greenway Mobility Ensuring Affordable and Reliable EVs with its Buyback and Warranty Programs
Deepak Maheshwari
CEO
Hydrogen, Biofuels, and LNG: Essar’s Multi-Pronged Strategy for a Greener Future
Ajit Kulkarni
VP and India Market Leader
Accelerating India's Net Zero Goals: AVEVA’s Smart Solutions