On the morning of August 15, as the nation celebrated its 79th Independence Day, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi quietly created history. The workshop, known for building some of India’s most advanced locomotives, unveiled the country’s first removable solar panel system installed between live railway tracks. General Manager Naresh Pal Singh inaugurated the project.

This was not just a technical achievement; it symbolized India’s march toward energy independence and its fight against climate change. For railway workers, engineers, and local citizens, it was a proud moment when the age-old railway tracks became a path for a greener tomorrow.

Banaras Locomotive Works: The Engine Factory of India

Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important production units of Indian Railways. Established in 1961 as the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), it was renamed in 2020 to reflect its broader role beyond just diesel engines. BLW is known as the “engine factory of India” because it designs, builds, and maintains locomotives that power trains across the country. 

Over the decades, BLW has supplied thousands of diesel and electric locomotives, not only to Indian Railways but also to nations like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and several African countries. With India focusing on railway electrification and green technology, BLW has become a hub for innovation, introducing modern electric engines, rooftop solar systems, and even India’s first removable solar panels on railway tracks in 2025. By combining tradition with technology, BLW continues to drive India’s railways toward a sustainable and self-reliant future.

How the Innovation Works

The pilot project is installed on Line No. 19 of BLW’s workshop yard. Instead of the conventional method of mounting solar panels on rooftops or open land, the engineers used the space between the sleepers, the horizontal beams that support railway tracks.Each solar panel measures 2278 × 1133 × 30 mm, weighs 31.83 kg, and contains 144 half-cut monocrystalline PERC bifacial cells with an efficiency of 21.31%. 28 panels have been installed over 70 metres of track, creating a system with a 15 KWp installed capacity. The system provides 220 KWp per kilometre and can generate about 880 units of electricity per kilometre per day. What makes the system unique is its removability. The panels are fixed with rubber mounting pads to absorb vibrations and epoxy adhesive for stability. Yet, they can be removed by loosening just four SS Allen bolts whenever track maintenance is required.

Tackling Technical Challenges

The project was not without hurdles. Trains running above the panels meant engineers had to solve vibration issues, safety concerns, and easy access for track workers. Rubber mounting pads reduced the constant shaking caused by passing trains. Epoxy adhesives ensured the panels stayed firmly fixed to concrete sleepers. Easy cleaning and removal design means that the panels can be maintained without delaying train schedules. The Chief Electrical Service Engineer and his team worked extensively to create an indigenously designed procedure, ensuring the innovation was both practical and scalable.

Green Energy in Motion

The installation is not just an experiment; it could revolutionize how Indian Railways generates renewable energy. With a 1.2 lakh kilometre network across the country, if even a fraction of yard lines or less-used stretches adopt this technology, the potential is massive. Officials estimate that each kilometer of track could generate 3.21 lakh units of electricity annually. The space between railway tracks could become a power corridor, reducing the need for land acquisition for solar farms. 

This system complements existing rooftop solar plants already installed on BLW premises, making the workshop a model for clean energy adoption. Indian Railways has set an ambitious target: achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. With trains carrying millions daily, the sector’s energy needs are massive. Innovations like removable solar panels make this goal more achievable. By reducing dependence on conventional energy and avoiding land acquisition for solar plants, the system also saves costs and resources. It reflects India’s commitment to international climate agreements while giving a practical, homegrown solution.

The Road Ahead

While the pilot covers only 70 metres, the success of this project opens up endless possibilities:

Wider deployment in railway yards: These areas have slow-moving or parked trains, making them ideal for large-scale solar track projects.

Urban railways and metro systems: City metros could integrate similar technology, producing clean power within dense urban spaces.

Research and scaling up: Engineers will continue studying the durability of panels under heavy rail traffic and weather conditions.

If scaled nationwide, Indian Railways could transform into one of the largest green energy producers in the transport sector.

On Independence Day, the installation carried a deeper message. Just as India broke free from colonial rule in 1947, today it is breaking free from the dependence on fossil fuels. The removable solar panel project is a step toward true energy independence, powered not by foreign oil but by the sun shining on Indian soil. Banaras Locomotive Works has not just installed solar panels; it has ignited a new vision for Indian Railways. This project shows how innovation, sustainability, and practical engineering can come together for a cleaner future. From reducing carbon emissions to inspiring railway workers and citizens alike, this achievement is a shining example of India’s green journey.