Ghaziabad: The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has started installing solar panels along the tracks of the Delhi–Meerut Rapid Rail Corridor as part of its ‘solar on track’ initiative, ahead of the full corridor’s scheduled inauguration next month.
A pilot installation at the Duhai depot includes 28 solar panels mounted over a 70-metre stretch of track. These panels are expected to generate approximately 17,500 kWh of electricity annually, supporting rail operations and reducing CO₂ emissions by about 16 tonnes per year.
Officials said the project efficiently utilises otherwise unused track space and aligns with NCRTC’s commitment to increase renewable energy adoption in its operations.
Plans to Scale Up Across the Corridor
The corporation intends to expand the initiative across the entire corridor after assessing the pilot’s performance. This effort is part of NCRTC’s broader solar policy, supporting the objectives of India’s National Solar Mission.
Currently, NCRTC consumes around 326 million units of energy annually to operate Namo Bharat services, with energy costs constituting 30–35% of total operational expenses, amounting to nearly Rs 250 crore per year. Optimising energy consumption has therefore become a strategic priority for the agency.
Corridor Commissioning and Operations
Trial runs for the remaining section of the corridor have been completed, with final commissioning approval pending higher authorities. Officials anticipate that the full 82 km Delhi–Meerut corridor could be operational by end of December 2025.
Currently, Namo Bharat trains operate on a 55 km stretch between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, serving 11 stations –
- New Ashok Nagar
- Anand Vihar
- Sahibabad
- Ghaziabad
- Guldhar
- Duhai
- Duhai Depot
- Muradnagar
- Modi Nagar South
- Modi Nagar North
- Meerut South
Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to cut travel time to just 55 minutes, providing faster and more sustainable commuting for passengers.
About NCRTC
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is a public sector undertaking and a joint venture between the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Its primary responsibility is to implement the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project across the National Capital Region (NCR). This project aims to enhance connectivity and promote balanced urban development within the NCR through high-speed regional rail. NCRTC is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, financing, operating, and maintaining the RRTS projects.
