In a groundbreaking move for India's urban transportation sector, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched the innovative 'Solar on Track' project at its Duhai maintenance depot. This pioneering initiative marks the first time solar technology has been integrated directly into rapid rail and metro infrastructure anywhere in the country.
A Revolutionary Pilot Project
The pilot installation represents a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation infrastructure. Engineers have successfully fitted 28 solar panels, each with a capacity of 550 Watt peak, along a 70-meter stretch of the Pit Wheel Track at the Duhai depot facility.
This strategic placement allows the solar panels to harness abundant sunlight while utilizing existing depot infrastructure, creating a perfect synergy between renewable energy generation and rail operations. The installation demonstrates NCRTC's commitment to exploring innovative solutions for reducing the carbon footprint of mass rapid transit systems.
Technical Specifications and Capacity
The newly installed solar array boasts an impressive technical profile that sets new standards for renewable energy integration in rail transport. With each of the 28 panels capable of generating 550 watts at peak performance, the complete installation can deliver approximately 15.4 kilowatts of peak power under optimal conditions.
The 70-meter coverage area showcases how underutilized spaces within rail infrastructure can be transformed into productive energy generation assets. This approach not only maximizes space efficiency but also brings power generation closer to the point of consumption, reducing transmission losses and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Broader Implications for Indian Transportation
This pioneering project at the Duhai depot serves as a crucial testing ground for larger-scale implementation across India's growing rapid rail and metro networks. Success here could pave the way for similar installations at other depots and potentially along operational tracks, significantly boosting the renewable energy contribution to urban transportation systems.
The timing of this initiative, launched in November 2025, aligns with India's broader national goals for renewable energy adoption and sustainable urban development. As cities continue to expand their metro and rapid rail networks, integrating solar technology directly into the infrastructure could become a standard practice, reducing operational costs and environmental impact simultaneously.
Industry experts are closely monitoring this project's performance metrics, particularly its energy generation efficiency, maintenance requirements, and overall impact on depot operations. The data collected from this pilot installation will inform future decisions about scaling this technology across other NCRTC facilities and potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other Indian cities.
