The Ministry of Railways on Monday announced a milestone in green energy innovation with the commissioning of India’s first removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi.
In a post on X, the ministry said, “Indian Railways marks a historic first! Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi, commissioned India’s first 70-metre removable solar panel system (28 panels, 15KWp) between railway tracks—a step towards green and sustainable rail transport.”
Meanwhile, Indian Railways also expanded its freight operations. On August 10, the first industrial salt-loaded rake was flagged off from Sanosara (Bhuj–Naliya section) to Dahej. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new logistics solution would open “new avenues” for the region’s salt industry.
The Ahmedabad Division Railway Manager (DRM) said the rake, loaded on August 9 with 3,851.2 tonnes of industrial salt, covered a distance of 673.57 km and is expected to generate Rs 31.69 lakh in freight earnings. Calling it an achievement for the division, the DRM said the development strengthens regional industry and India’s logistics network.
In another development, Western Railway on August 12 successfully commissioned and energised the country’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at the Nagda–Khachrod section under the Ratlam Division.
The system, which includes two Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers, is designed to ensure efficient feeding of electrical load to the overhead equipment (OHE). Officials said the Nagda traction sub-station is the first in India to be energised using Scott Transformer technology, marking a step forward in railway electrification infrastructure.
-ANI
