What’s inside:
Bihar’s trains will now use solar panels for AC and fans, starting with a special coach.
Bihar is making a significant move in its railway system. For the first time, trains in the state will run air conditioning and fans using solar energy. This change will take place at Patna Junction and other stations in the Danapur division.
The new solar system will initially be tested on a campaign coach. This coach is being prepared at the Danapur railway yard and will soon be used on tracks for railway staff. It can seat 70 to 72 people and will generate around 40 to 50 units of electricity daily with solar panels installed on its roof.
This upgrade means that the electricity costs for the railway will drop by about ₹1.5 lakh each year. Soon, solar systems will also be added to passenger coaches, allowing the AC and fans inside to run on solar power.
Railway officials say that each coach will have a solar panel weighing 120 kilograms, capable of producing 15 to 20 units of energy. This initiative will help meet the power needs of passengers and is expected to be extended to MEMU and Intercity Express trains after the initial trial.
The Danapur division is the first in the entire East Central Railway zone to test the solar-powered coach. Once the trial is successful, this system will be introduced across five divisions, including Dhanbad and Samastipur.
Summary:
- Trains in Bihar will now run AC and fans on solar energy.
- The change starts with a campaign coach in Danapur division.
- Solar panels will save around ₹1.5 lakh annually in electricity costs.
- Each coach will have a 120 kg solar panel for energy generation.
- The system will expand to other trains if the trial is successful.
