Question : Use of Solar Energy in Metro Stations

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

(a) Whether there is any metro station in which elevators/ escalators are operated by solar energy and if so, the details thereof;

(b) The other major plans of the Government to ensure increased usage of solar energy at metro stations or for running metro rail; and

(c) Whether the Government is involved in any research and development project that are focused on utilisation of solar energy in the transportation/ rail sector and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a): Yes, Madam. At present, DMRC has installed roof top solar photo voltaic plants at 9 stations of Badarpur to Faridabad Line, 7 stations of Delhi and 4 stations of Gurgaon. The solar power generated by these plants is utilised for feeding elevators/escalators and other auxiliary loads such as lighting loads & air conditioning in respective stations.

(b): Other metro companies at Kochi, Nagpur, Mumbai, Chennai & Bangalore plan to harness solar energy.
(c): Ministry of Railways (MoR) has informed that they have provided solar panels on roof top of coaches for train lighting system in 18 narrow gauge coaches and 2 broad gauge coaches on trial basis. Further, MoR has decided to provide solar panel for train lighting on roof top of general coaches of two day running intercity trains and 50% Narrow Gauge coaches plying on Pathankot- Joginder Nagar in Kangra Valley section and Kalka- Shimla section for extended trials for one year in all weather conditions and to understand all practical issues of safety, generation and maintenance.

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