PRAYAGRAJ, July 24 -- In a step towards greener and more energy-efficient rail operations, the North Central Railway (NCR) has commissioned a solar-assisted passenger coach on a pilot basis. The coach, developed by the Prayagraj Division, was formally launched on July 14 under the leadership of NCR general manager Naresh Pal Singh and has been operating smoothly since then, officials said. The pilot project integrates a rooftop solar photovoltaic system with conventional railway rolling stock to supplement onboard power generation. Traditionally, electricity in Indian Railways' ICF passenger coaches is generated through axle-driven alternators that charge the coach's battery bank and power passenger amenities such as lights, fans and mobile charging points. While reliable, the system depends entirely on train movement and involves mechanical energy losses. "The solar-assisted coach is a significant step towards cleaner and more efficient rail operations. A high-efficiency rooftop solar photovoltaic system with a peak capacity of 6.93 kW has been installed on the coach. It generates clean electricity directly from sunlight and assists in charging the battery bank, reducing dependence on axle-driven power generation, minimizing mechanical losses and improving overall energy efficiency," said NCR chief public relations officer Dr Shivam Sharma. According to railway officials, the 6.93-kW solar plant is expected to generate around 13,400 units (kWh) of electricity annually, translating into an estimated saving of about Rs.2.8 lakh per coach each year. It is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 11 tonnes annually per coach. Under the implementation plan, the pilot coach will be closely monitored for a month. Simultaneously, the Prayagraj workshop will begin installing the system on two coaches every month. Based on the pilot's performance, the technology may be extended to other passenger coaches, officials said, describing the initiative as a key step in Indian Railways' push towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation....