Indian Railways Launches India's first Solar Powered Train
The Indian Railways has introduced an environment friendly train. The 1600 HHP solar DEMU train is a great step towards a clean and green future and will have a positive financial impact too. The train will be operational from July 15, 2017.
What does this mean for the environment?
- This will result in a a massive reduction in carbon dioxide emission per coach per annum -- about 9 tonnes
- An annual diesel fuel saving of Rs 2 lakh per coach per annum is expected with total annual savings amounting to Rs 672 crore
- The success of the train will ensure more such initiatives by the India Railways as they are looking for ways to convert solar energy into liquid fuel.
- The train will be stationed at platform number 1 of Safdarjung Railway station in New Delhi
- The train will travel from Sarai Rohilla station in Delhi to Garhi Harsaru Junction, Farukh Nagar in Haryana
- It will replace the existing non-solar powered panel on the same route and run at a speed of 110 km per hour
- It is a ten-coach train -- two motor coaches and eight passenger coaches
- The total cost of the train is Rs 13.54 crore -- eight coaches of Rs 1 crore each, two motor coaches of Rs 2.5 crore each, and solar panels on 6 coaches of Rs 9 lakh each
- There has been no change in the fare and the journey of the train; it will take the same one-and-half hours to complete the journey
- There will be cushioned seats, luggage rakes and a display board in each coach.
- There are 16 solar panels of 300 watt capacity each in a coach
- The energy generated through the panel will be stored in batteries and can be used during night as well
- The two passenger coaches which do not have solar panel will operate on diesel
- The train has two parallel power sources -- solar power and diesel. In case of failure of either, it can switch the power modes
- The life span of solar panels is 25 years and they will be monitored on a regular basis.
Source Of Information :- INDIA TODAY
