India's First Ever Solar-Powered DEMU Train Launched In Delhi

In a 'path-breaking' attempt to make trains more 'sustainable', the Indian railways has launched its first ever solar-powered 1600 HP DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) in Delhi. The environment friendly DEMU train was inaugurated at Safdarjung Railway station, New Delhi on Friday.

Twitter/Indian Railways

In keeping with the railways 'Solar Mission' the newly inaugurated train has six trailer coaches with solar panels and is expected to save about 21,000 litres of diesel.?

The cost of these solar panels, manufactured under 'Make in India' initiative, is Rs 54 lakh and it is the first time in the world that solar panels are being used as grid in railways, reports ET.?

According to Indian Railways, the use of solar power system in all mail and express trains will result in a recurring cost saving of around Rs 672 crore per year.

During the Railway Budget for 2016-17, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced that railways would generate 1,000 MW of solar energy in the next five years.?

"Indian Railways is committed to promote clean and renewable energy," Prabhu said during the launch of the train.?

The Railways have already rolled out the initiative to set up solar panels on rooftops of at railway stations and at level crossings across the country.

Twitter/Indian Railways

The solar power will help in reducing 1,350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission per train in 25 years.?

Ravinder Gupta, the CEO of Indian Railways Organisation for Alternative fuel, said that ?Rs 700 crore will be saved by Indian Railways annually once the full solar power project is rolled out.