The Secunderabad Division of South Central Railway (SCR) has reached a critical milestone in its multi-year decarbonization strategy, commissioning a cumulative 2.5 MW of rooftop solar capacity across 35 distinct locations. Developed in partnership with Seven Greens Solar Systems Private Limited, the infrastructure is estimated to generate annual power-cost savings of approximately ₹30 million (~$313,848). This achievement marks a significant scaling of the division’s green energy commitment, which dates back to initial conservation trials in 2015, effectively transitioning the region toward a low-carbon operational model.
Project Scope and Technical Infrastructure
The project was executed under a CAPEX model through competitive bidding, ensuring long-term asset ownership for the railways. The technical architecture focuses on high-efficiency energy harvest and structural longevity, utilizing state-of-the-art N-type TOPCon technology.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Module Technology: High-efficiency 590 W N-type TOPCon bifacial modules, supplied by Havells and Bluebird Solar, were selected for their superior performance in high-ambient temperature environments.
- Performance Metrics: The systems are delivering a specific yield of approximately 4 kWh/kW/day, a high-impact KPI that justifies the division’s investment in premium module technology.
- Inverter Systems: Powerone grid-connected inverters (10 kW to 50 kW) manage the decentralized load distribution.
- Structural Engineering: To preserve the integrity of railway sheds and Cover Over Platforms (COP), Seven Greens employed specialized non-penetrative sheet fixing. This technique allows for secure module mounting without drilling into metal roof sheets.
A hallmark of this deployment is the integration of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), where solar modules serve as dual-purpose infrastructure. These systems act as station roof canopies, providing passenger shelter while generating clean power. Notable BIPV installations include:
- Mancherial Station: 100 kWp system featuring a specialized Car Park Canopy.
- Kazipet Station: 100 kWp station roof installation.
- Secondary Hubs: 50 kWp systems at Cherlapally, Peddapalli, Jangaon, and Lingampet Jagityal.
The division’s largest single-location asset is a 1 MW (1000 kWp) installation at the Cherlapally station and its associated railway shed, supported by other high-capacity sites at Ramagundam (200 kWp) and Khammam (100 kWp).
Financial and Operational Impact Analysis
While initial estimates placed the investment at ₹130 million, performance-backed scale-ups and scope expansions have brought the total project value to ₹150 million (₹15 crore). For a public infrastructure project, the estimated payback period of 4 to 5 years is exceptionally aggressive, underpinned by the high efficiency of the TOPCon bifacial modules.
The 2.5 MW portfolio currently offsets approximately 20% of the Secunderabad Division’s total electrical demand. Roughly 20 railway stations have achieved daytime “net-zero” status, meeting 100% of their operational requirements through solar power during peak hours. Furthermore, the integration of net metering allows the division to export surplus electricity back to the distribution grid, optimizing the financial return on non-peak consumption days.
Electricity Cost Impact Analysis
| Location Hub | Pre-Installation Monthly Bill | Current Operational Status |
| Cherlapally Hub | > ₹5,000,000 | Substantial reduction via 1 MW dedicated system |
| Secondary Hubs | ₹50,000 – ₹200,000 | Trending toward daytime “Net-Zero” |
| Wayside Stations | Variable Grid Reliance | 100% Solar-reliant during daylight hours |
Strategic Expansion and Future Roadmap
Building on the success of the 2.5 MW phase, South Central Railway has awarded Seven Greens a subsequent 1 MW project covering 11 to 13 additional locations. The division’s mid-term pipeline includes another 1.5 MW capacity scheduled for deployment over the next six months, specifically targeting secondary railway establishments.
Upon completion, the cumulative capacity will exceed 3.5 MW across more than 48 sites. This expansion will also increase the division’s total BIPV footprint to 500 kW, further validating the “dual-use” infrastructure model as a viable standard for railway modernization.
Institutional Context and Government Recognition
This initiative aligns with India’s national goal of achieving net-zero rail transit. The project has received significant institutional validation, particularly the installation at the Hi-Tech City Railway Station. As one of the 75 flagship “Amrit Bharat Stations,” the Hi-Tech City solar deployment was recently recognized on the official social media handle of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Akshay Borkar, Managing Director of Seven Greens Solar Systems Private Limited, noted: “Our focus is on engineering high-impact, reliable solar infrastructure that integrates seamlessly into critical public transport systems without disrupting operations. The repeat orders from South Central Railway and the recognition of our Amrit Bharat Station installation by the Hon’ble Prime Minister validate our technical precision as we support the national shift toward sustainable, carbon-neutral transportation.”
Official Sources & Citations
- Vikaspedia (Government of India / C-DAC)
- Title: Green Energy at Railways – Secunderabad
- Description: Official best-practices documentation published by the Government of India detailing Secunderabad Division’s initial 525 kWp grid solar installation, 100% LED lighting adoption across 47 stations, water pump automation, and energy-cost savings.
- Hyperlink: Vikaspedia: Green Energy at Railways–Secunderabad
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) / USAID India
- Title: Strategy for the Procurement of Renewable Energy for the Indian Railways
- Description: Official technical assistance report under the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy-Deployment (PACE-D) program, outlining institutional frameworks, CAPEX/RESCO bidding models, and targets for 1 GW solar deployment and carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Publication: PACE-D Technical Assistance Program Strategy Report
- South Central Railway (SCR) – Ministry of Railways, Government of India
- Title: South Central Railway Official Portal
- Description: Official website for South Central Railway, providing authoritative divisional data, station administration details, and operational updates for the Secunderabad Division.
- Hyperlink: Portal of Indian Railways: South Central Railway
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Government of India
- Title: Railway Zones and Divisions in The Country
- Description: Official press notification from the Ministry of Railways detailing the administrative setup, zones, and divisional boundaries of Indian Railways.
- Hyperlink: Press Information Bureau Release
Leave a Comment