VISAKHAPATNAM: In an attempt to go green, the Waltair railway division is planning to set up roof-top solar plants at the city railway stations and other offices in public private partnership (PPP mode).
One bidder from Renew Solar Power Private Limited, Gurgaon, has been finalised with which the Waltair railway division will have a tie-up for 25 years.
The division which has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the lowest bidder for generating and supplying of 1 MW power from roof-top solar panels will start the project soon.
The solar panels would be set up in service buildings, including Vizag railway station, DRM Office, Divisional Railway Hospital, Electrical Loco Shed and Diesel Loco Shed. While the APEPDCL is supplying power at `7 per unit, the present company will be providing power at `5.76 a unit. Similar installation of roof-top solar panels was initiated in Secunderabad railway station a few years ago, also North Western Railways have implemented the system.
According to the railway officials, there has been a delay in the finalisation of business in regard to pricing for supply of power. Now the bidder is ready with the models of solar panels.
“If all goes well the installation works will be done by July-end. The developer would be responsible for designing, engineering, procurement, erection (including civil and structural works), installation, testing and commissioning of the solar panel systems for 25 years after commissioning of the project,” said a senior railway official.
Green energy
Gurgaon-based Renew Solar Power Private Limited to have a tie-up with Waltair rly division for 25 years
Roof-top solar panels to be installed at Vizag rly station, DRM office, Divisional Railway Hospital, Electrical Loco Shed and Diesel Loco Shed
K7 Per unit cost of power being supplied by APEPDCL
K5.76 Per unit cost of solar power