Railway to tap solar power

Southern Railway is all set to tap solar energy to meet a part of its power requirements for Tiruchi Railway Junction.

It has entered into a power purchase agreement with a private firm which would install the equipment, harness energy and supply to the railway.

Works relating to harnessing energy has begun.

The private firm has started installing a row of solar panels atop platform shelters covering platforms 6 and 7. A railway officer said that around 600 roof top solar panels would be installed.

The solar plant would be of 200 kilowatt and generate about 1,000 units every day. The energy generated would be utilised for day-time requirement of the junction which has seven platforms and a circulating area.

The night time power requirement would be met from electricity purchased from the Tangedco.

The private firm would supply power at a cost less than what was being paid to the Tangedco, he said.

The work of laying solar panels is expected to be completed soon and the authorities expect the system to be commissioned after completion of cabling and other related works.

The same firm would install a solar power system of 40 kilowatt at Villupuram railway junction to meet power requirements of that station.

A 125-kilowatt solar power unit is to be installed at the Tiruchi railway divisional office by the same firm.

The railway authorities here had taken up the green route earlier by installing a series of 40 roof top solar panels atop the Running Room at Tiruchi where Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots take rest after duty. Some level crossing gates falling under the limits of Tiruchi Division have been installed with solar panels.

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