The Ministry of Railways has achieved a new milestone in green energy. For the first time in India, a removable solar panel system has been installed between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi.

In a post on X, the ministry said, “Indian Railways marks a historic first! Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi, commissioned India’s first 70-metre removable solar panel system (28 panels, 15KWp) between railway tracks, a step towards green and sustainable rail transport.”

Indian Railways is also expanding its freight services. On August 10, the first industrial salt-loaded train was flagged off from Sanosara (Bhuj–Naliya section) to Dahej. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new logistics solution would open “new avenues” for the region’s salt industry.

The Ahmedabad Division Railway Manager (DRM) added that the rake, which was loaded with 3,851.2 tonnes of industrial salt on August 9, covered a distance of 673.57 km and is expected to generate Rs 31.69 lakh in freight earnings. He called the development an achievement for the division and said it strengthens the regional industry and India’s logistics network.

Western Railway has also successfully commissioned and energized the country’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at the Nagda–Khachrod section under the Ratlam Division on August 12.

The system includes two Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers, designed to feed electricity efficiently to the overhead lines. Officials noted that the Nagda traction sub-station is the first in India to be energized using Scott Transformer technology, marking a significant step forward in railway electrification.

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