Indian Railways Tests Solar-Assisted Coach in Prayagraj, Expected to Save Rs 2.8 Lakh Annually
Prayagraj, 7th August 2026: Indian Railways has introduced a solar-assisted passenger coach on a pilot basis in the Prayagraj Division of North Central Railway, with the rooftop solar system expected to generate around 13,400 units of electricity annually and save approximately ₹2.80 lakh per coach every year.
The solar installation has been fitted on an ICF non-AC passenger coach and has a capacity of nearly 7 kWp. The electricity generated through the rooftop solar panels will supplement the conventional power-generation system and charge the coach’s battery bank.
According to the railway, the system is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 11 tonnes per coach annually.
How the existing system works
In conventional ICF passenger coaches, electricity is generated through an axle-driven alternator installed beneath the coach. The alternator is mechanically driven through a belt arrangement connected to the coach axle.
The electricity generated is used to charge the coach battery bank and operate passenger amenities, including lighting, fans and mobile charging facilities.
Since the system depends on train movement, power generation is linked to the operation of the coach. The process also involves mechanical and electrical conversion.
Solar panels to supplement coach power
Under the pilot project, high-efficiency photovoltaic panels have been installed on the coach roof. The panels generate electricity directly from sunlight and supplement the charging of the onboard battery bank.
The solar-assisted arrangement is intended to reduce the load on the conventional axle-driven charging system while providing additional electricity for the coach’s electrical requirements.
The rooftop solar plant is projected to generate around 13,400 kWh of clean electricity each year. Based on the stated projections, this would translate into annual savings of approximately ₹2.80 lakh and a reduction of nearly 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per coach.
The installation is currently limited to one ICF non-AC coach. Indian Railways will assess the performance of the pilot before considering the technology for deployment on other coaches in a phased manner.
The pilot project combines rooftop solar generation with the existing electrical arrangement used in conventional passenger coaches.
