Greening Public Transit: Sahibabad And Duhai Depot RRTS Stations Now Powered By Solar Energy

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) installed state-of-the-art solar power plants at Sahibabad RRTS station and Duhai Depot RRTS station on 22 December.

RRTS is short for the Regional Rapid Transit System.

With a total capacity of 729 kW, the solar power plant established at Sahibabad station is equipped with 1,620 high-efficiency solar panels.

The plant will generate about 10 lakh units of electricity per annum as against the annual consumption of about 7.3 lakh per annum for the auxiliary load of the station. This makes Sahibabad station a 'green station with the distinction of being carbon negative’.

In July this year, a solar power plant was established at the RRTS depot in Duhai. It had an installed capacity of 585 kWp, turning the depot green.

This initiative represents a major stride towards sustainability as these solar power plants together are expected to reduce approximately 1,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per year.

This reduction is achieved by substituting conventional fossil fuel-based power sources with clean and green solar energy.

The transition to solar energy aligns with the NCRTC's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while optimising operational costs.

NCRTC's 'Green' Moves

The solar initiatives of the NCRTC are in line with its solar policy adopted in March 2021, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy by generating approximately 11 MW peak of in-house solar power across its stations, depots, and other facilities for traction and non-traction purposes over the next five years.

To contribute to a clean and green environment, the NCRTC has also taken a step forward towards the goal of achieving the highest rating of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification.

Further, the RRTS, equipped with green energy and a minimum water consumption system, will enhance the overall commuter experience on this green transport model and also encourage greater use of public transport.

The installation of solar power plants aligns with the objectives of the National Solar Mission and reinforces the NCRTC's role in promoting clean, sustainable energy sources to benefit the region and the nation as a whole.

NCRTC Managing Director Vinay Kumar Singh inaugurated the state-of-the-art solar power plants installed at Sahibabad RRTS station and Duhai Depot RRTS station in the presence of all the directors and senior officials of the organisation.