In 2023, India witnessed the launch of its fastest commuter train service, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train service, also known as Namo Bharat. Over time, the entire corridor between Delhi and Meerut was opened up.

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS spans over 80 kilometres and connects key transport hubs like the Meerut Metro, Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, and Indian Railways stations. Namo Bharat trains have significantly reduced the travel time from Delhi to Meerut to under an hour, with speeds reaching up to 160 kmph.

Now, the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is taking another significant leap – this time on the renewable energy front. The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Solar Dreams project aims to power the corridor with a 110 MW captive solar plant, which will meet nearly 60% of its electricity needs.

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The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has signed a power purchase agreement with NIRL NCRTC Renewables Limited (NNRL) for the project. The solar plant is estimated to require an investment of around Rs 450 crore and is expected to be commissioned within the next 24 months.

Under the agreement, NCRTC will purchase electricity generated at the plant, which will be transmitted through the Uttar Pradesh state grid to NCRTC’s receiving substations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The electricity will then be distributed along the corridor.

The project leverages the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy to promote the use of renewable energy. It is expected to reduce annual electricity expenditure and provide environmental benefits

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Replacing a significant portion of conventionally generated electricity with solar power will also reduce emissions of harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide (SO2), contributing to cleaner air and supporting sustainable urban mobility in the region.

The project is the first of its kind for India's RRTS and Metro transit systems. It is expected to establish a new benchmark for incorporating renewable energy into mass urban transportation.

Currently, NCRTC generates more than 11 MW of solar power across the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. Solar panels have been installed at Namo Bharat stations, depots, RSS, and other buildings.