From Delhi to Haryana, This Indian Train Runs on Sunlight

In July 2017, something unusual left Delhi’s Safdarjung Station. For the first time in India, a train ran with help from the sun, not just diesel.

For years, Indian Railways depended on diesel. But rising costs and pollution forced a question: Could sunlight help power one of the world’s busiest rail networks?

To find out, they built a 1600 HP DEMU in Chennai. It looked like any regular train, except for the solar panels lined up across six of its ten rooftops.

Picture credits: The Hindu

Each coach carried 16 solar panels, quietly collecting energy for lights, fans, and displays. Extra power went into batteries, ready for night or cloudy days.

Picture credits: Ixigo

On 14 July 2017, crowds gathered as the train was flagged off. A simple experiment had officially begun, right in the heart of Delhi.

By the very next day, it was carrying passengers between Sarai Rohilla and Garhi Harsaru in Haryana. A small route, but a meaningful test run for solar-powered travel.

Inside, little had changed for passengers. The fans spun, the display boards lit up, and cushioned seats waited — but this time, powered by sunlight. Picture credit: ET

Each coach saved around 21,000 litres of diesel a year and reduced 9 tonnes of carbon emissions. That added up to Rs 2 lakh saved, coach after coach.

Picture credits: Ministry of Railways

Since then, solar panels have been fitted on dozens of coaches. Indian Railways now aims for 1 GW of solar capacity — building on that small, hopeful start. Pcture credit: Ministry of Railways