After coal, diesel and electricity, the Indian Railways is now rapidly moving forward in the field of solar energy. The coaches of the trains are being separated and made for the convenience of the passengers. Preparations for installing solar panels have started in coaches of most trains across the country. Instead of using electricity to run fans and lights in passenger coaches, solar energy technology is now being used.According to information received from the railways, solar technology is being used to meet the power requirements for lights and wings in passenger trains coaches. Till date, solar panels have been installed in 60 compartments. These include 14 DEMU trailer coaches located at Shakur Basti, Delhi, 6 DEMU trailer coaches at Jamalpur, Bihar, 7 non-AC coaches of Tamil Nadu Jan Shatabdi Express 12084-83, 10 passenger coaches at Swachhta Express Delhi and Lucknow to Varanasi Intercity Express. Solar panels have been installed in 10 non AC passenger coaches.Apart from this, solar technology is being used in coaches of these trains in 13 non AC passenger coaches in Sitapur (Sitapur-Delhi-Rewari railway section) of Uttar Pradesh under CAR funding of IRFC. Soon 10 non AC coaches in the Mathura-Alwar rail section of Uttar Pradesh and 30 non AC coaches in the Lucknow-Varanasi rail section will be equipped with solar power technology. It is worth noting that in July 2017, Indian Railways started the first Solar Energy DEMU (Diesel Electric Multi Unit) train from Sarai Rohila in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Gurugram. At the same time, Indian Railways has targeted to completely transform itself into Green Railway by the year 2030.Apart from this, Railways are taking many initiatives to reduce global warming and tackle climate change. Railways have announced electrification of all broad gauge routes by December 2023. Railways have installed solar panels of 100 MW capacity on the roofs of their individual buildings, including 900 stations.
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