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“Powering Mobility with Sunshine: NCRTC’s Green Rail Revolution.”

NCRTC Starts Installing Solar Panels on Rapid Rail Tracks to Cut Energy Costs

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched its innovative ‘solar on track’ initiative by installing solar panels along rapid rail tracks. A pilot setup at the Duhai depot features 28 panels mounted over a 70-metre stretch, generating nearly 17,500 kWh annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by about 16 tonnes. After evaluating the pilot’s performance, NCRTC plans to expand solar installations across the entire corridor. Officials say the project utilises unused track space and supports the corporation’s commitment to renewable energy under its solar policy, aligned with the national solar mission. NCRTC consumes around 326 million units of power annually—costing nearly ₹250 crore—making energy optimisation crucial, as electricity accounts for 30–35% of operating expenses. With trial runs completed on the remaining stretch of the Delhi–Meerut corridor, officials expect full commissioning by the end of December, reducing total travel time to just 55 minutes.