Kochi metro rail project all set to go green

After Cochin International Airport Limited, which has become India's first solar energy powered airport, Kerala's ambitious Kochi Metro Rail Project is also going to become green.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and Hero Solar Energy (P) Ltd today signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 4MWp Solar Power as part of Kochi Metro project at KMRL's office.
"The plan is to generate 4 MW power in the first phase by erecting solar panels at the stations and Muttom yard," Elias George, MD, KMRL, said.
He said apart from this, KMRL also plans to use another 40,000 square metre area in Muttom yard to generate solar energy for which tenders for the Preparation of Detailed Project Report have now been invited.

The present Phase-I of Kochi Metro Rail Project envisages 22 stations and 1 depot.
"KMRL is placing solar panels on the rooftop of 22 stations and buildings in the Metro yard. The installation capacity of the rooftop project is 4 MWp," a KMRL release said.

The rooftop project is being implemented through Renewable Energy Service Company model, where the vendor would do the complete investment of nearly 27 crore as well as operation and maintenance and KMRL will buy the power from the vendor, it said.
As per the Power Purchase Agreement with Hero Solar, the work should be completed by nine months.

KMRL has received central financial assistance of 15 per cent of the Project cost of Rs 4.8 crore for the roof top project from the MNRE, Government of India.
KMRL said it has always taken effort to make Kochi Metro the most environment-friendly green metro in the country.
The stations are designed for energy saving features like maximum natural ventilation in passenger areas, use of LED lighting, water efficient fittings in toilets and rainwater harvesting wherever possible, it said.