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Kolkata Metro Expands Renewable Energy Footprint with 500 kWp Rooftop Solar Plant at Jessore Road Station

Metro Railway has commissioned a 500 kWp rooftop solar power plant at Jessore Road Metro Station on Kolkata's Yellow Line, further strengthening its commitment to clean energy adoption and sustainable urban transportation. The project forms part of the organisation's long-term strategy to increase renewable energy utilisation across the metro network while lowering operational costs and reducing its carbon footprint.

The solar installation was inaugurated by Prem Sagar Gupta, General Manager, Metro Railway, in the presence of senior railway officials. Designed to generate approximately 1,800 units of electricity per day, the rooftop system will primarily supply power for the station's auxiliary operations, including lighting, elevators, escalators and other essential electrical services. Any excess electricity generated will be integrated into the Metro Railway's internal power network, improving overall energy efficiency.

According to Metro Railway, the project is expected to reduce electricity expenditure by nearly INR 50 lakh annually, with the initial investment likely to be recovered within three years through savings on power consumption. The solar power system has an estimated operational lifespan of 25 years and is equipped with a cloud-based remote monitoring platform, enabling real-time tracking of power generation, equipment performance and system health to ensure efficient operation and timely maintenance.

The commissioning of the Jessore Road solar plant is part of Metro Railway's broader renewable energy programme aimed at deploying solar installations across stations, depots, workshops and other railway facilities. The organisation is working towards achieving a cumulative renewable energy capacity of 34.3 MW across the Kolkata Metro network, supporting Indian Railways' wider sustainability initiatives and efforts to reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity.

Indian Railways has been steadily expanding the use of renewable energy as part of its commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rooftop solar installations at railway stations and service facilities not only lower operating costs but also contribute to cleaner public transportation by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity. Such initiatives align with the national objective of increasing the share of renewable energy in the country's power mix while promoting sustainable infrastructure development.

As India's metro rail systems continue to expand, integrating renewable energy into urban transit infrastructure is becoming an important strategy for enhancing operational sustainability. Projects like the Jessore Road rooftop solar plant demonstrate how public transport networks can leverage clean energy technologies to reduce long-term energy costs, improve environmental performance and support the country's broader transition towards a low-carbon and energy-efficient future.