Launch of Solar Panels on Trains Roof Top & Green Field Base Kitchens of 15 crore- IRCTC

According to the information by the Minister of State of Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain, “Indian Railways have already provided solar panels on roof top of 19 Narrow Gauge coaches on Trains in Kalka-Shimla and Kangra Valley in Northern Railway and 23 Broad Gauge non-air conditioned coaches in service (13 coaches in 2 trains of Northern Railway, 7 coaches in 1 train of Southern Railway, 2 coaches in 1 train of Konkan Railway and 1 coach in 1 train of West Central Railway).  

Interestingly, the solar system works during sunlight and generates battery backup of approx. 4 to 5 hours. However, the system does not work properly during fog or rain and winter season. Battery backup goes down to 2 to 3 hours depending upon weather condition. 

Now, railways have decided to provide solar panel on rooftop of general coaches of two number of the day running intercity trains in Northern and Southern Railway and 50% Narrow Gauge coaches plying on Pathankot-Joginder Nagar route in Kangra Valley section and Kalka-Shimla section of Northern Railway for conducting extended trials for one year in all weather conditions. 

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has now opened 8 Base kitchens.  

Adding to it, IRCTC has also upgraded 13 Kitchen Units in 2017-18 from where meals are supplied on trains. 

IRCTC is planning to start Green Field Base Kitchens at the following locations. A budget target of capital expenditure of 15 crore has been set by IRCTC for 2018-19, for setting up new/renovation of existing kitchen/production unit.