Rooftop Solar scheme renamed with Rs 750 billion allocation

16 Feb 2024 CW Team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the rooftop solar scheme, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with an investment exceeding Rs 750 billion. PM Modi stated on the microblogging platform X that, "In order to further sustainable development and people's well-being, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is being launched."

The scheme, initially introduced on January 22 by the Prime Minister as Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, aims to illuminate 10 million households, providing them with free electricity of up to 300 units monthly. It envisions substantial subsidies directly credited to the bank accounts of consumers and heavily concessional bank loans. He stated, "The central government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people. All stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal, which will further enhance convenience."

The interim budget had also proposed the rooftop solar segment, stating that 10 million households would receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month under the scheme initially proposed as Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, with an outlay of Rs 100 billion. To promote the scheme, urban local bodies and panchayats will be encouraged to endorse rooftop solar installations in their jurisdictions, as per the Prime Minister's announcement.

Modi mentioned that the scheme would result in increased income, reduced power bills, and employment generation. Following the PM's announcement of the scheme in January, Power Minister RK Singh had stated that the Centre was aiming to raise the subsidy for rooftop solar projects for households to 60% of the capital cost from the current 40%, targeting the lower and lower-middle class. Singh also noted that all power public sector undertakings (PSUs) would implement the program by forming special purpose vehicles.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..