Kolkata Metro has commissioned a 500 kWp rooftop solar power plant at Jessore Road Metro station on the Yellow Line, marking another step in its renewable energy programme. The initiative is part of Metro Railway’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources, lower operating costs, and expand clean energy generation across its network.
The solar power plant was inaugurated by Prem Sagar Gupta, General Manager, Metro Railway, in the presence of senior railway officials. The installation has been designed to generate around 1,800 units of electricity every day, meeting the station’s auxiliary power requirements, including lighting, lifts, escalators, and other essential services. Any surplus electricity generated will be supplied back to the metro network, improving overall energy efficiency.
According to Metro Railway, the project is expected to reduce electricity expenditure by nearly ₹50 lakh annually. The capital investment is likely to be recovered within three years through savings in power costs. The solar installation has an estimated operational life of 25 years and is supported by a cloud-based monitoring system that enables real-time tracking of electricity generation, system performance, and operational efficiency.
The commissioning of the Jessore Road solar plant forms part of a larger renewable energy expansion plan. Metro Railway has already awarded contracts for an additional 6.5 MWp of rooftop solar capacity across locations including Noapara, areas around Jessore Road, and several railway service buildings.
Further expansion is also planned through a proposed 13 MWp solar project covering the Noapara Carshed, as well as stations and depots on the Orange and Purple Metro lines. In addition, another 10 MWp of solar capacity is planned for implementation around 2027, significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in metro operations.
