Vijayawada rail division's 4.86 MW solar push cuts costs, emissions
The South Coast Railway (SCoR) Vijayawada division has taken a significant step towards sustainable railway operations by installing solar power capacity of about 4,864 kilowatts peak (kWp) through 265 rooftop and standalone solar installations. This initiative underscores the Indian Railways' commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions.
According to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mohit Sonakiya, the installations include 2,978 kWp capacity solar panels at railway stations, 1,476 kWp at service buildings and offices, 120 kWp at staff quarters, and 290 kWp at 70 level crossing gates. These installations are part of a broader strategy to harness renewable energy across railway infrastructure.
In the financial year 2025-26, these solar installations generated 44,06,903 units of clean energy, saving the division nearly ₹4.61 crore in electricity costs and avoiding 2,525.52 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. During the current financial year, from April to July, the division has already generated 19,90,741 units, saving ₹1.85 crore and avoiding an additional 1,592 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the DRM added.
The division has also achieved complete transition to LED lighting across its premises. Solar water heaters with a combined capacity of 56,700 litres per day have been installed at all hospitals, railway rest houses, and running rooms. Furthermore, 81 solar-powered street lights and signal installations have been commissioned at the Electric Traction Training Centre, children's parks, and the railway hospital.
In recognition of its eco-friendly design, the Vijayawada railway station has received the IGBC Platinum certification for sustainable construction, with Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) rooftop solar panels installed across its platforms. This certification highlights the station's commitment to green building standards and energy efficiency.
Ten railway stations, including Dwarapudi, Kadiyam, Madhuranagar, Sarpavaram, Uppaluru, Ulavapadu, Kavutaram, Nidamanuru, Moturu, and Pedana, have achieved Net-Zero 'Shunya Plus' energy-neutral status by generating surplus solar power. These stations now produce more energy than they consume, setting a benchmark for other divisions to follow.
Additionally, the adoption of Head-On Generation (HOG) train operations has reduced High-Speed Diesel (HSD) oil consumption by 1,07,757 litres in 2025-26. This has resulted in a reduction of 15,832.703 tonnes of carbon emissions and an estimated annual saving of ₹70.80 crore in diesel costs. These measures collectively demonstrate the Vijayawada division's proactive approach to sustainable railway operations, contributing to the national goal of a cleaner, greener transport network.
