RailEnquiry

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's capital would soon be able to boast of hosting the first railway terminus down South that will be powered by solar energy.The green energy initiative that will be introduced at the Thiruvananthapuram Central would see the terminus getting powered 25 percent by solar energy. The Rs. 30 lakh project which is under process would see installation of solar panels atop the station that will produce 10 kilo watt of power, turning the building into the a green structure among government offices in the state.According to official sources, the railway administration in Kerala took to the heart the declaration by railway ministry that 2011-12 will be observed as the Year of Green Energy. Southern Railway (SR) headquarters in Chennai proceeding with the process of procuring solar panels after the project was given sanction, recently.During the initial stage, only the first floor of Thiruvananthapuram Central would be solar powered and would cover all the lights and fans.According to officials, the terminus which works round the clock would need very little amount of solar power during the day, while the night's demand is expected to be met through the battery backup."It is to study the effectiveness that we are restricting it to just 25 percent for the time being. If found viable, the initiative would be extended for the entire building. Similarly we are also planning installation of solar panels across the state at railway offices and stations. Already we use solar powered water heaters at most of the offices. The powering of level crossings in the state by solar energy, which at the moment depends on manpower, will go side by side," a senior official of the Electrical Department, SR, Thiruvanathapuram Division told TOI.The official added that besides tapping green energy, environmental friendly initiatives are being introduced across the state, which includes scientific methods to deal with feacal waste produced, on board running trains.Sources from Mechanical Department said that three technologies are currently available with Indian Railways, that are Bacterial Disintegration, Zero Discharge and Vaccum Suction, to tackle faecal waste.

" We are studying the practicality of these technologies and will introduce them in Kerala, on trial basis, very soon," the official said. Kerala, which is far behind in cutting down carbon footprints is expected to gain plus points through these initiatives, sources said.