Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Installs Solar Panels Between Tracks at Nagpur Depot

In a first-of-its-kind initiative by a metro rail system in India, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MahaMetro) has installed solar panels between railway tracks at its Hingna depot, advancing its push toward sustainable urban transport.

The project involves a 50 kWp solar photovoltaic system deployed along a nearly 200-metre stretch between operational tracks. Designed to optimise unused space within rail infrastructure, the system is expected to generate around 70,000 units of electricity annually, helping reduce carbon emissions by approximately 65 tonnes each year.

Officials said that the installation has been engineered to withstand the operational challenges of a metro environment, including vibrations from train movement, safety constraints, and maintenance access. The panels use monocrystalline half-cut technology, known for higher efficiency and durability.

The initiative has been implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, ensuring no upfront capital expenditure for the metro authority. The electricity generated will be utilised for captive consumption within the metro system, without relying on net metering mechanisms.

According to MahaMetro, the pilot project demonstrates how urban transit systems can integrate renewable energy solutions within existing infrastructure, especially in space-constrained environments. If successful, similar installations may be extended to other depots, including Mihan, and could serve as a model for metro networks across the country.

The move aligns with broader efforts to increase renewable energy adoption in public transport while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.