Giving a boost to the green coach concept, in a first in the country, the Ferozpur railway division in Punjab has successfully designed and illuminated a coach using electricity generated through solar units placed atop.
The trial run of this “green coach” was held at a narrow gauge section of the Kangra (HP) valley last week. The coach has now been moved to Lucknow-based Research Design and Standard Organisation of the Indian Railways for approval. Once approved, the project will be implemented across the country to drastically bring down harmful emissions and also cut down operating cost of diesel.
Puneet Kathpalia, Divisional Electric Engineer at the Ferozpur Division said a fully charged panel had successfully lit the indoors of the entire coach for 24 hours without interruption during the trial run.
According to officials, the pilot project has cost the Railways Rs 1.80 lakh. Italy is using solar power to light up the coaches. “So far we have modified one coach. It will go a long way in revolutionising the green coach concept in India,” Puneet Kathpalia said.
Engineers who have modified the coach say a 3 KW power was produced after charging the solar panels for a day. Tubes inside have been replaced by power saving lights. Fans too were operated through solar power. Division engineers say the entire wiring has been done indigenously.
“To generate on-site renewable energy and to have a solar-based power system for lights and fans is a new concept in the country. This will be replicated in other trains soon. Also, the cost is not unbearable given its eco advantages,” Kathpalia added.