The Ministry of Railways has launched a first-of-its-kind solar initiative at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, by installing solar panels directly between railway tracks. This marks India’s debut of a removable solar panel system in such a setting, aimed at generating clean energy without requiring extra land.
According to officials, the pilot project includes 28 panels spread across 70 metres, producing 15 KWp of power. The panels are designed to be detachable, ensuring smooth maintenance of the tracks whenever needed.
If the model is scaled up, reports suggest it could generate up to 3.21 lakh units (kWh) of electricity per kilometre annually—sufficient to power station operations, signalling systems, or even supply to the main grid. This initiative supports Indian Railways’ commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. In recent years, the Railways has set up rooftop solar plants at stations and depots and invested heavily in renewable energy infrastructure.
In another significant step, Western Railway has also introduced India’s first 2×25 kV electric traction system on the Nagda–Khachrod stretch of Ratlam Division, powered by dual Scott-connected 100 MVA transformers. This upgrade is expected to enhance the efficiency of power delivery to trains.
As one of the largest consumers of electricity and diesel in the country, the railway sector is now tapping into underused spaces such as track gaps for solar generation. Officials highlight that the BLW project was developed by local engineers and, if implemented nationwide, could substantially advance India’s renewable energy and climate targets.
Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s premier railway production units and a key establishment under the Ministry of Railways. Established in 1961 as the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), it was renamed BLW in 2020 after transitioning into a hub for manufacturing modern electric locomotives in line with India’s shift toward greener transport.
Over the decades, BLW has played a crucial role in designing, building, and maintaining locomotives that power the Indian Railways network. Known for its engineering excellence, the unit not only produces locomotives for domestic use but also exports to several countries, strengthening India’s global presence in railway technology. With recent projects such as the installation of solar panels between railway tracks, BLW continues to embrace innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.
