DMRC Unveils India’s First Vertical Bi-Facial Solar Plant
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has inaugurated India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant on the Metro Viaduct at Okhla Vihar Metro Station and a 1MW rooftop solar power plant at Khyber Pass Depot. The bi-facial panels, designed to capture sunlight from both sides, utilize the metro’s elevated structure for solar power generation without occupying additional land. This marks a significant step toward sustainable metro operations and renewable energy adoption.
The launch took place during the 5th International Conference on Green Metro Systems – The Future of Urban Mobility, organized by DMRC under i-Metro, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power, Government of India, said, “As humanity progresses, our innovations often clash with nature, bringing both advancement and risk. The rise in global temperatures beyond 1.5°C has become a cause for global concern, prompting nations to unite under agreements like the Paris Accord. India, too, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning its growth with sustainability. Urbanization and industrialization have increased pollution, but initiatives such as the Delhi Metro have significantly reduced environmental impact, demonstrating that thoughtful infrastructure can drive progress while protecting nature.
Energy efficiency and clean power are the need of the hour. Transitioning from thermal to renewable energy, utilizing solar rooftops, and implementing regenerative braking in metros exemplify the shift toward a greener future. Technological advancements, like vertical solar panels and energy-efficient LED systems, pave the way for sustainable urban living. Furthermore, responsible consumption—whether in air conditioning usage or minimizing wastage—can have a profound impact on energy conservation.
Swachh Bharat Mission was once mocked but has transformed India's landscape, proving that national efforts towards cleanliness and sustainability yield global recognition. Pollution reduction, water conservation, and eco-friendly mobility are not just governmental responsibilities but collective duties. The path forward is clear: balance progress with environmental responsibility, ensuring a cleaner, healthier world for future generations.”
Indian metro rail corporations are contributing to the green building movement by offering energy-efficient, low-emission public transportation thereby reducing urban pollution and traffic congestion. Many metro stations, throughout India, are designed with energy-efficient technologies and use solar power systems which help reduce energy consumption. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a pioneer in integrating solar power which helps meet a significant portion of its needs. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune, metro rail have also received IGBC Certification for their commitment to sustainable designs and the use of green material to further minimize their environmental impact.
