Kolkata: In a major move towards sustainable energy efforts and minimising carbon emissions, the Sealdah division of Eastern Railway is all set to embark on a major initiative—the installation of rooftop solar panels across its facilities, official sources said on Wednesday.
Already a frontrunner in the green energy landscape, Sealdah Division boasts a 705 kWp capacity solar plant in Sealdah, Kolkata Terminal, and Naihati stations, generating some 50,000 kWh/month.
Building on this success, the division is now on track to install solar panels with a total capacity of 2.9 MWp on the rooftops of various stations, including Barrackpore, Dum Dum Junction, Murshidabad, Ranaghat, Kalyani, Krishnagar City, Gede, Canning, Barasat, and more.
The move towards solar power is a strategic one, with the division anticipating not only a reduction in air pollution but also improved health for those residing and working near the stations.
The generated solar power will be exclusively consumed by the Sealdah division, marking a significant decrease in reliance on conventional grid electricity.
This not only contributes to a greener environment but is also expected to result in substantial cost savings for the division.
The initiative aims to generate approximately 5.5 million units of electricity annually. Such colossal production is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by a staggering 5289 metric tonnes per year, aligning seamlessly with Sealdah Division’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Sealdah station is one of India’s major railway terminals, serving the city of Kolkata.
Over 1.2 million passengers use the station daily.
“This project is more than just an investment in sustainable energy; it represents a crucial step towards Sealdah Division’s larger goal of increasing its renewable energy capacity. The installation of rooftop solar panels is part of a comprehensive strategy to adopt eco-friendly practices across all facets of railway operations”, said ER spokesman Kausik Mitra.
