Patna: Indian Railways has taken an important step towards clean energy in Bihar by deciding to equip train coaches with solar panels for the first time. Under this new initiative, trains running through the Danapur division, including Patna Junction, will soon use solar power to run fans, lights and air conditioning systems. Railway officials say this move will help save electricity and diesel, while also reducing pollution and operational costs.
The project has begun with campaign coaches, which are special coaches mainly used by railway staff involved in track maintenance and construction work. These coaches are being prepared at the Danapur railway yard and will soon be put into service. Each campaign coach can seat around 70 to 72 people. Flexible solar panels have been installed on the rooftops, which can generate nearly 40 to 50 units of electricity every day, making the coaches largely self-sufficient during daytime operations.
According to railway authorities, these solar panels are lightweight, easy to install and cost-effective in the long run. A single solar-powered coach is expected to save around Rs 1.5 lakh every year in electricity expenses. Encouraged by this, the railways are also planning to install similar solar systems in regular passenger coaches. In these coaches, a solar panel weighing about 120 kg will be fitted, capable of producing 15 to 20 units of electricity to run fans, lights and mobile charging points for passengers.
Officials say the solar panels offer three major benefits. First, they will reduce the use of diesel-powered generator cars, known as power cars, which currently supply electricity to many trains. Second, if power cars are removed, space will be available to add up to two more passenger coaches, helping ease overcrowding. Third, passengers will enjoy a quieter and safer journey, as power cars often create noise and sometimes cause problems like smoke and sparks.
Danapur division is the first in the East Central Railway zone to carry out this solar coach trial. If the experiment is successful, the technology will be extended to other divisions such as Dhanbad, DDU and Samastipur. Railway experts also believe that in the future, solar power could be used in MEMU, Intercity Express and even AC coaches, marking a major shift towards greener and more sustainable rail travel in Bihar.
