Railways launch solar powered gate signals

Implementing the resolution in the 2013-14 Railway budget, the Thiruvananthapuram railway division moved closer to running about 384 level crossing gates on solar power. The initiative is part of the railways’ plan to use renewable energy sources and environment-friendly energy conservation measures. The plan aims to eventually run 1,000 level crossings on solar power and would give the railways tax breaks and depreciation benefits, besides earning carbon credits. The solar power systems would generate up to 1KW power each and will be equipped with solar panels. They will have charge control, back-up battery and LED light fittings. In the first phase of the plan, besides Thiruvananthapuram, other level crossings in Kerala, those in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be powered with solar energy. As an initial measure, the Railways has allocated ? 60 lakh towards the solar power plan. Tenders for the purchase and installation of the solar system have already been floated.