Two billion passengers would be able to travel on solar powered trains and help save almost seven millions tonnes of carbon a year, if there is direct supply of solar energy to Indian Railways says the findings of a study. The study was conducted by the NGO, Climate Trends and UK-based green tech start-up Riding Sunbeams. According to it direct supply of solar energy to Indian Railway lines which implies without the need to connect via the grid will power at least one in four trains on the national network on competitive terms.
The researchers of the study found that substituting energy supplied from the coal-dominated grid for private-wire supply from solar energy can rapidly cut emissions by as much as 6.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
The study also explored how strategic investment in dedicated freight corridors and new high speed routes can help Indian Railways in boosting passengers and freight traffic. Not only this, it can play a key role in achieving India’s national climate change responsibilities, were the findings of the study.
