Indian Railways and the RTC Power Mode

Indian Railways' Green Shift with RTC Power Model

The Indian Railways is not just a lifeline for millions—it’s now becoming a beacon of sustainability.

With a sharp focus on reducing carbon emissions and embracing green energy, the Indian Railways has made remarkable progress in solar power adoption. At the heart of this transformation is the Railways RTC power model—a hybrid power procurement system that is changing the way our trains and stations are powered.

Let’s break it down for you in simple terms, understand the big picture, and explore what this means for India's clean energy journey.

What is the Railways RTC Power Model?

The Railways RTC power model, or “Round The Clock” power model, is a system designed to ensure an uninterrupted, 24x7 power supply by combining solar and wind energy sources.

Why this is important:

• Solar power is available during the day

• Wind power peaks during the night

Together, they create a steady, round-the-clock supply of renewable energy. This means that even when the sun sets, the Railways can continue to run operations without relying on fossil fuels or thermal plants.

Why Indian Railways is Going Solar

Indian Railways is one of the largest consumers of electricity in India. To reduce dependency on non-renewable sources and align with the government's clean energy targets, it has installed 209 MW of solar power capacity (as of February 2025) across 2,249 railway stations and service buildings.

And here’s the best part: the growth has been phenomenal.

• 2.3x increase in solar installations over the past five years

• 1,489 new installations since 2020

• Compared to just 628 between 2014–2019

This huge leap is powered by innovative energy solutions like the Railways RTC power model.

How the RTC Model Works

Let’s simplify the Railways RTC power model for everyone:

• Hybrid Energy Mix: Combines solar (day) and wind (night) energy

• Getting ready for energy storage: Potentially using batteries for demand management.

• Developer-Driven PPAs: Power is procured through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under developer mode

• Grid Integration: Power is routed into the Indian Railways network via state and central transmission utilities

• Result: Indian Railways gets uninterrupted, green power all day and night

State-Wise Leaders in Solar Railway Stations

Some states have outshone the rest in adopting solar infrastructure for Indian Railways:

Rajasthan

• 275 installations

• Over 200 new installations after 2020

• Leading the green charge!

Maharashtra

• 270 installations

• Rapid growth in the last five years

West Bengal

• 237 installations

• From just 12 before 2020 to over 220 now!

These states are effectively using the Railways RTC power model to make solar power reliable and scalable.

Challenges Along the Way

It hasn't been easy. However, the RTC rail power model has some real-world problems, despite being a smart and environmentally friendly option:

• Regulatory bottlenecks between central and state agencies

• Power evacuation delays due to lack of infrastructure

• Grid connectivity issues, especially in remote or rural stations

• State-level coordination challenges with utilities and transmission companies

• Despite these, Indian Railways continues to push forward—with strategic partnerships and better planning.

Environmental & Financial Benefits

Why should we be concerned about this new development? Because it benefits both the economy and the environment.

Benefits to the environment:

• Major reduction in carbon emissions

• Less dependence on coal-based electricity

• Cleaner air around busy railway stations

Financial Wins:

• Long-term cost savings on electricity bills

• Lower operational costs for railway buildings

• Reduces risks from fossil fuel price volatility

The Railways RTC power model is not just about going green—it’s about building a sustainable future for generations.

What’s Next for the Railways RTC Power Model?

The RTC model is essential to Indian Railway's plans to become carbon neutral in the future.

Here’s what to expect:

• More solar-wind hybrid plants across key zones

• Battery storage integration for consistent supply

• Accelerated application through enhanced collaboration between state governments

• Digital monitoring systems to track energy efficiency

The long-term goal? To make Indian Railways one of the world’s greenest public transport networks.

Fun Facts & Numbers

• Total RTC hybrid capacity being planned: expected to cross 500 MW by 2030

• Solar capacity installed (as of Feb 2025): 209 MW

• Buildings & stations powered: 2,249 and counting

• Goal: Carbon-neutral Railways by 2030

The Railways RTC power model is not a side project—it’s at the heart of this transformation.

Key Takeaways

Let’s wrap it up with the highlights:

• Railways' RTC energy concept, which combines solar and wind power, guarantees 24-hour clean energy.

• In just five years, Indian Railway's solar infrastructure has grown 2.3 times.

• In states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, solar power is gaining popularity.

• Major benefits include lower emissions, cost savings, and energy independence.

• Despite challenges, Indian Railways is on track to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to India, affordable, environmentally friendly energy is not merely a nice idea; it's a basic requirement.

Considering the potential of renewable energy to power public transportation is one area where Indian Railways is at the forefront of innovation on a global scale.