Blessing of the Sun: Picturesque Kalka-Shimla railway track to be solar powered soon

NewsBharati 26-Dec-2017

Total Views |

Ambala, December 26: Kalka-Shimla railway track is not only a means of transportation but also a world heritage site. One of the most favorite tourist attractions of India now will be lightened by solar power. The Ambala division of Indian railways is working to make all 18 railway stations of this heritage track equipped with solar lights by March 31 next year.

In the age of bullet trains, metro railways this old toy train route has a different kind of charm. It can fill traveler’s soul with a strange tranquility with its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. It is more significant that such a place sitting on the lap of Mother Nature will now take our country one step forward to save her.

Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (General) of Ambala Division Sunil Kumar told a local newspaper, “A 3-kW plant will be set up at each station to generate power. Besides equipping the stations with solar power, all lights will be replaced with LED ones, reducing power consumption by 50 to 60 percent.”

“About Rs, 40 lakh to Rs 45 lakh will be spent on the solar system and LED lights. The cost is expected to be recovered in two-and-a-half years. The solar panels come with a warranty of nearly 25 years and there will a saving of Rs 18 lakh to Rs 20 lakh per annum,” he added.

The route winds from the Himalayan Shivalik Hills foothills at Kalka to several important points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Totu (Jutogh), Summerhill and Shimla at an altitude of 2,076 meters (6,811 ft).

Solar Power LED lights Shimla Shimla Kalka railway track Heritage Site