Solar power, which is also known as clean and efficient natural
energy, will aid the Konkan Railway to save Rs 18 lakh annually.
Under a green initiative adopted by the Konkan Railway in Margao,
around 487 solar panels have been set up at the Margao railway station
rooftop.
Deputy General Manager Konkan Railway, Baban Ghatge, said this form of
natural source of energy could be used simultaneously to save money
and utilise non-polluting energy.
Ghatge informed that the solar panels have been installed on the
rooftops of platforms 2 and 3. These solar panels have started
producing energy, he said and added, "The cost of the panels is Rs
1.32 cr and this amount was sanctioned by then South Goa MP Narendra
Sawaikar."
Ghatge said the 487 solar panels on platforms 2 and 3 generate 720
units of energy per day. "In 7 to 8 years, we will be able to recover
the cost incurred for setting up these panels," he added.
Giving more details, he said the KR has also installed solar panels of
lesser capacity at the Karmali and Tivim railway stations.
The cost of installation for the Karmali and Tivim station panels was
borne by the Konkan Railway, whereas the one in Margao were done under the MPLAD scheme, Ghatge informed.