Indian Railways is taking another significant step towards sustainable transportation by planning to source 1,000 MW of solar power under its renewable energy mission. The initiative is part of the Railways’ long-term strategy to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and increase the use of clean power across its operations.
The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain, who stated that the Railways Vision 2020 aims to meet at least 10% of its total energy requirements through renewable energy sources.
In addition to solar energy, Indian Railways is also working to expand its wind power portfolio. The organisation plans to develop around 200 MW of wind energy over the coming years, subject to technical and commercial feasibility. So far, approximately 50 MW of renewable energy capacity has already been installed, including 14 MW of solar power and 36 MW of wind power.
To further improve energy efficiency, Indian Railways continues to conduct regular energy audits across its network. Around 200 energy audits were carried out during the previous year to identify opportunities for reducing electricity consumption and improving operational efficiency.
As part of its broader sustainability programme, Indian Railways is also replacing conventional lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting. More than 200 railway stations have already been upgraded with LED lights, helping reduce electricity consumption while lowering maintenance costs.
The planned expansion of solar and wind power reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to supporting India’s clean energy goals and building a greener, more energy-efficient transportation network.
