SER to use Solar power in a bigger way: Goel

The South Eastern Railway (SER) will install solar power in a bigger way at some of its selective establishments including some railway stations in a phased manner.
Speaking at an interactive session with members of the MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SER General Manager Ashish Kumar Goel said 60 locations including railway stations, hospitals, office establishments and guest houses have been identified for illumination with solar energy.
"About 60 locations including railway stations, hospitals, office establishments and guest houses have been identified where solar energy will be used for lighting, heating water and illuminating gardens and the likes," Goel said stressing the need for green energy.

The project would be implemented on a PPP model, Goel said adding the SER has already invited tenders where private parties would have role in designing, engineering,procurement, commissioning and looking after generation from the Solar photovoltaic system.
"Tenders for installation at Adra, Chakradharpur and Kharagpur have been invited, while the process for other locations will begin soon," he said adding "At present solar powered illumination is there from Rajkharsawan station in Jharkhand to Purulia station in West Bengal."
Replying on some development projects, Goel said Shalimar and Santragachi stations were being developed as model terminal stations with world class facilities at a budgetary allocation of nearly Rs 400 crore.

To a question, Goel said the SER also has plans to eliminate over 600 unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) in the next three years.
"The SER will eliminate 200 UMLCs each year by making alternatives through subways and road diversions for which an annual budget of about Rs 100 crore has been earmarked," the SER GM said.