Irregular power cuts seem to have driven the Bangalore division of the South Western Railway to use solar power as a stand by for its lighting and signal requirements.
Irregular power cuts seem to have driven the Bangalore division of the South Western Railway (SWR) to use solar power as a stand by for its lighting and signal requirements.
According to the SWR sources solar lightings will be set up at level crossings, road approaching lights in Bangalore-Jolarpet, Bangalore-Dharmavaram and Bangalore-Tumkur routes. They are also installing solar panels for emergency lighting at 30 wayside stations.
There are 260 manned level crossings under the Bangalore division. “There are frequent power shutdowns at these level crossings. The rural feeder supply is not reliable and not consistent. So we had to arrange for alternative energy. The solar lighting will supply round the clock power supply and we can be less dependent on the conventional electricity,” said a senior SWR electrical division officer.
He said that Bangalore division is consuming 15.80 million units (non-traction), which is costing `9.19 crore annually on power bill. “Implementing the solar lighting on the routes is not commercially attractive, but using the solar energy where ever we can will benefit the environment as well as reduce dependence on the conventional electricity,” the officer said. Moreover, with severe crunch in the coal supply, more initiative should be on natural energy, he added.
Apart from the lights at the level crossings, the railways is also taking up solar energy in its hospitals, restrooms, running rooms and way side stations. “There are 60 geysers in the restrooms. We are replacing them with solar heaters,” the officer said.
Solar panels will also be installed in another 27 level crossings, which is in the tendering process, officer said.
“Although SWR is one of the largest consumers for Bescom, and is ranked second among the consumers we have, it is a welcome move if they decide to use solar power. We give them the power, while Karanataka Power Transmission Ltd provides the exclusive 66 KVA line for them,” said an official of Bescom on condition of anonymity.
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