In a major step towards environmental sustainability and achieving net-zero carbon emissions, Western Railway's Mumbai Central Division has significantly expanded its green energy infrastructure. During FY 2025-26, the Division commissioned an additional 2,607 kWp of rooftop solar capacity, taking its cumulative installed solar capacity to 8,532 kWp.
According to press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, the entire solar network is expected to generate over 1 crore units of green electricity annually, resulting in recurring savings of ₹13.4 crore per year. To maximize coverage and operational efficiency, in the FY 2025-26 solar expansion was carried out across both suburban and non-suburban sectors. Under the suburban sector, the Division added 1,608 kWp of solar capacity by installing rooftop solar panels on platform sheds and railway buildings across 12 major suburban stations.
Major installations include Vasai Road (375 kWp), Virar (175 kWp), Dadar (153 kWp), Borivali (151 kWp) and Mira Road (125 kWp), along with 100 kWp installations each at Mahalaxmi, Matunga Road, Goregaon and Kandivali. These installations are expected to generate more than 21 lakh units of green electricity annually, resulting in savings of approximately ₹2.5 crore every year.
Under the non-suburban sector, around 1000 kWp of solar capacity has been installed across 12 key locations. The installations include a 320.46 kWp solar panels at the Valsad Loco Shed Office, besides solar panels at Valsad School, Multi-Disciplinary Divisional Training Institute and Carriage and Wagon Shed Valsad. Other installations have been provided on platform sheds at Vapi, Nandurbar, Navsari and station buildings at Chalthan, Gangadhara, Atul, Udwada and Bhilad. These installations are expected to generate 13.13 lakh units of electricity annually, leading to annual savings of more than ₹1.5 crore.
Western Railway is continuing to strengthen its commitment towards sustainable and renewable energy. A roadmap has been finalized for the installation of an additional 2.13 MWp of rooftop solar plants across Mumbai Central Division over the next 2–3 years. This proposed expansion is expected to generate an additional 28 lakh KWh of green electricity annually, resulting in further savings of more than ₹3 crore per year.
This initiative will not only reduce the carbon emissions, but also lower the dependence on conventional grid power. The initiative reflects Western Railway's continued leadership in integrating renewable energy with railway infrastructure and advancing Indian Railways' Net Zero Carbon mission.
Share
Tweet
