Darbhanga: The ministry of railways plans to introduce solar panels at train stations to promote use of renewable energy systems across the country, and the first "solar tree" in the East Central Railway (ECR) zone has been installed at Darbhanga railway station, around 125km north-east of Patna.

Initially, a solar panel has been installed to cater to the power needs of the recently refurbished second-class waiting room, Mithila Hall, and one solar tree has been installed at the running room (restroom for railway drivers and guards) of the station.

Rajesh Kumar Madhu, senior section engineer, electrical, ECR, Darbhanga, said: "The general manager, ECR, inaugurated the solar panels during his recent visit to Darbhanga on March 26. The solar panel at the Mithila Hall is capable of generating 6kw of electricity per day while the ECR's first solar tree installed at the running room is capable of generating 5kw of electricity per day.

"The reason behind installing the solar panels is to move a step forward towards green energy development at the stations, as envisioned by the ministry of railways," he added. "The solar tree is preferable as it does not occupy much space and in addition it enhances the beauty of a building. The panel at the Mithila Hall has its plates on the roof of the building, while the solar tree at the running room does not occupy any space on the roof of the building." He said that the current power consumption at the Darbhanga railway station is 350kw per day, and the solar panels could give a relief of 11kw per day.

"The relief is not so noticeable but the initiative is a start and soon it could add more towards power autonomy at the station," Madhu said.

The cost of the solar panel is about Rs 7 lakh whereas the solar tree costs around Rs 7.5 lakh. The Darbhanga railway station superintendent, Ashok Kumar Singh, said that Darbhanga is the first in the ECR to have a solar tree.