To reduce dependency on fossil fuels for energy and achieve the target of zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in line with the policy of Indian Railways, adopted various steps on Tuesday to generate more green energy by installing rooftop solar power plants in service buildings and other installations across the zone.

According to officials, NF Railways generated 1.45 million units of energy from renewable sources, resulting in savings of approximately Rs 97.9 lakh from April to June 2024.

Chief Public Relations Officer of NF Railway, Sabyasachi De, said that for non-traction energy consumption, NFR also saved approximately Rs 66.7 lakh from April to June this year.

Under the ‘Go-Green’ mission, solar rooftop panels installed at various stations and other service buildings under N.F. Railways have generated a cumulative of 6764 Kilowatt Peak (kWp) power till June 2024. The total solar rooftop panels in Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding, and Tinsukia divisions have an installed capacity of 610 kWp, 381 kWp, 1066 kWp, 1020 kWp, and 190 kWp of solar power, respectively. The headquarters complex of NFR and the Guwahati Sub-divisional unit have a combined installed capacity of 1497 kWp. The two workshops at New Bongaigaon & Dibrugarh have an installed capacity of 1000 kWp each,” he added.

Sabyasachi De further said, “Under the jurisdiction of NFR, 24 stations and other field office buildings in Assam and Tripura have been fitted with solar rooftop panels, which generated 642 kWp during the period from April to June 2024. Major railway stations like Udaipur of Lumding division and Bamunigaion, Azara, Gohpur, Barpeta Road, Dudhnoi, and Krishnai of Rangiya division were fitted with solar panels. Moreover, 2100 BLDC fans that use brushless motors instead of standard induction motors have been installed across the zone from April to June 2024, resulting in savings of 32 watts per ceiling fan. This results in savings of 67200 watts and 806 units (approx.) of energy consumption. NFR plans to install solar plants on all feasible station buildings, service/office buildings, residential buildings, and LC gates.”

NF Railway is committed to maximising the use of solar energy for meeting its energy requirements. This will help in meeting the day-to-day power needs of stations and other service buildings. Apart from being environmentally friendly, this leads to savings in precious expenditure for the Railways and foreign exchange for the country,” he added further. (ANI)