Southern Railway Chennai Division Adds Solar Across Stations

15 May 2026 CW Team

The new arrays are expected to generate around 0.204 million (mn) units of electricity annually, which the division estimated would reduce its grid draw and yield savings of about Rs 1.921 million (mn) a year. During 2025–26 the Chennai Division generated 2.315 million (mn) units of solar power from its installations, leading to estimated savings of about Rs 14.3 million (mn).

Solar systems have been deployed across stations, office buildings, sheds, platform shelters and training centres, including Chennai Central New Concourse Hall, Moore Market Complex, Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Katpadi, Arakkonam, Royapuram, Jolarpettai and Tiruvallur. The division reported that hybrid renewable systems combining windmills and solar units have also been trialled at selected sites to improve reliability and overall output.

Railways has set a target of adding another 2,600 kW of solar capacity across the network during 2026–27, and the Chennai Division said it would contribute its allotment as part of that national push. Officials indicated that continued deployment would focus on high-consumption locations to maximise financial and environmental benefits while reducing operational carbon intensity.

Division officials said the cumulative output and resulting cost savings would help lower operational expenses and support the upkeep of passenger amenities, lighting and signalling systems across busy stations. The measures were described as aligning with the wider rail energy strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to advance the network's sustainability and resilience goals.

The Chennai Division of Southern Railway added 140 kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity during 2025–26 at St Thomas Mount station, Guindy station and training facilities in Avadi. The new installations raised the division's capacity by 140 kW and brought the total installed solar capacity to 2,494.5 kW. The division stated the additions form part of an ongoing push to expand renewable energy at stations and support facilities. The new arrays are expected to generate around 0.204 million (mn) units of electricity annually, which the division estimated would reduce its grid draw and yield savings of about Rs 1.921 million (mn) a year. During 2025–26 the Chennai Division generated 2.315 million (mn) units of solar power from its installations, leading to estimated savings of about Rs 14.3 million (mn). Solar systems have been deployed across stations, office buildings, sheds, platform shelters and training centres, including Chennai Central New Concourse Hall, Moore Market Complex, Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Katpadi, Arakkonam, Royapuram, Jolarpettai and Tiruvallur. The division reported that hybrid renewable systems combining windmills and solar units have also been trialled at selected sites to improve reliability and overall output. Railways has set a target of adding another 2,600 kW of solar capacity across the network during 2026–27, and the Chennai Division said it would contribute its allotment as part of that national push. Officials indicated that continued deployment would focus on high-consumption locations to maximise financial and environmental benefits while reducing operational carbon intensity. Division officials said the cumulative output and resulting cost savings would help lower operational expenses and support the upkeep of passenger amenities, lighting and signalling systems across busy stations. The measures were described as aligning with the wider rail energy strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to advance the network's sustainability and resilience goals.

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