Solar Energy Boost: In line with Indian Railways’ mission to promote clean and renewable energy, Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) is making significant strides in rooftop solar power generation across its service buildings and Railway infrastructure.
Major Progress in Solar Capacity Installation
Khurda Road Division has been consistently expanding its solar power capacity with a long-term target of 14,408 kWp. The progress so far is as follows:
• Up to 2023–24: 1,826.06 kWp
• Up to 2024–25: 2,186.21 kWp
• Up to 2025–26: 7,247.79 kWp (planned)
• In pipeline as on date: 3,148 kWp
This expansion is aimed at equipping various service buildings with rooftop solar panels to generate clean electricity and reduce dependency on conventional sources.
Application Submitted for Net Zero Certification
ECoR has applied to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the “BEE Shunya Labelling Programme” for Net Zero Certification. Key installations proposed under this initiative include:
• Officers’ Club at Rail Kunj, including Banquet Hall, Yoga Hall and Badminton Hall – 160 kWp
• TRIP Shed, Bhubaneswar – 100 kWp
• MEMU Shed, Khurda Road – 1000 kWp
Commitment to Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction
Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway is committed to promoting solar energy to ensure long-term energy and ecological security while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Rooftop solar plants are being installed across office buildings, workshops, hospitals and railway stations. In addition, ECoR is planning Solar PV installations to further augment renewable energy generation for meeting traction load requirements to the maximum possible extent.
Once the upcoming solar plants are commissioned, East Coast Railway will have a total installed solar capacity of 14.4 MWp, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 13410 tonnes per annum.
This initiative forms an integral part of East Coast Railway’s ongoing efforts to adopt renewable energy and promote environmentally responsible operations across Khurda Road Division.
