Indian Railways has launched India’s first solar powered diesel multiple unit (DEMU) broad gauge train. It is 1600 Horse Power (HP) train with all solar powered coaches.
The train will run from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana. It will replace an existing non-solar powered rake on the same route.
Key Facts
The solar powered DEMU train has six trailer coaches, with 16 solar panels of 300 watts fitted in each of them. These solar panels have been manufactured under ‘Make in India’ initiative. The energy generated by these solar panels will be stored in batteries and will be used during the night.
Benefits
The solar energy system fitted in the DEMU train would result in the saving of 5.25 lakh litres of diesel per train over a life time of 25 years. It will also help in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) of almost 9 tonnes per coach, per annum and 1350 tons of CO2 per train over a life time of 25 years.