In a bid to harness solar energy, the Indian Railways is all set to conduct trial of its first solar panel-powered train in Rajasthan's Jodhpur city.
A railway official said though the train would be pulled by conventional diesel-run engines, the solar energy will be used for internal electricity gadgets.
"Solar panels have been installed on top of the coaches in the train and the energy, which we will get from the sun, will be used for the functioning of lights and fans inside the coaches in the train," said North Western Railways PRO Gopal Sharma, adding the trial run of the train will be conducted by the end of this month.
The Indian Railways has been focusing on alternate source of fuels with trials already on to use CNG, biodiesel and natural gas among others.
According to studies, a train using solar power can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90,000 litres per year and also bring down carbon dioxide emissions by over 200 tonnes.
The CNG is being used in local trains on Rohtak-Rewari section of Delhi division. The dual fuel concept of using CNG and diesel has also helped in saving fuel and money.
The Indian Railways is the world's fourth-largest rail network.