Southwest rail (SWR) saved nearly 4 Crore in the financial year of 2024-25 by generating 6.72 million units of solar energy in the financial year, which meant an increase of 18.1% compared to the previous year.
According to officials, this copes with the mission of Indian railways to become the first 100% green railway network by 2030. The initiative extends across three divisions of Hubballi, Bengaluru and Mysur, as well as their appropriate workshops.
Manjunath Kanmadi, Chief Director for Southwestern Railway, said: “Roftening and ground solar plants were installed at stations, offices, levels, residential neighborhoods and even running rooms.”
SWR installed solar panels at 148 railway stations, which ensured that a significant part of the station operations are now running on clean energy. In addition, 32 service buildings and 141 levels of transitions throughout the region were equipped with roof solar panels. 22 sun -driven pumps were also installed to further increase energy access outside the network.
Savings of solar energy
The Hubballi division added 487 kWp roof solar energy in FY 2024–25, thus increasing its total installed capacity to 3,036 kWp. “Caranzol and Kalgurki, formerly outside the net, are now fully powered. The sun race for 100 kWp at the Dharwad station generated 1.33 lakh units and met 37% of the station’s electricity needs,” Mr. Kanmadi explained.
According to the SWR division, Bengalur has expanded its solar capacity to 1,473 kWp, with new installations in the SHED Banaswadi (85 kWp) and DRM offices. The division saved 9.5 ₹ Lakh annually through solar energy. The Mysuru Division has added 55 kWp solar capacity, which increased to 887 kWp.
“SWR solar power plants are maintained according to the dual model: CAPEX, where maintenance is controlled by rail and OPEX (model Resco), where developers process operations for 25 years as part of the energy purchase agreement. Our solar expansion is not only about cost savings, but also about creating an environmentally conscious railway network.”
Published – June 19, 2025 22:40
