Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu today dedicated country’s first solar powered DEMU train to the nation at an event in New Delhi.
The 1600 Horse Power train with solar powered coaches has special battery bank for use during night hours. The train will run from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana. A total of 16 solar panels, each producing 300 watt, are fitted in six coaches.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, it is a path breaking leap towards making Indian Railways greener and more environment friendly.
He said, the train will save about 21,000 Litres of Diesel and thereby bring cost saving of 12 Lakh rupees per year. Solar DEMU first rake has been commissioned and based at Shakurbasti DEMU shed of Northern Railway. The cost of these solar panels, manufactured under Make in India initiative, is nearly 54 lakh rupees.
