India launches world’s first solar powered train

India takes the first step in leading the world, to solar powered transportation.

As the world is facing an pollution crisis and the push for clean energy, India has taken what seems to be a grand leap in providing the remedy. With India unveiling its new solar powered train, many other countries may follow in their footsteps in helping save energy, cutting down on fuel and avoid train dilemmas.

As stated by Engadget, the website for technology news and reviews it is noted, “India’s diesel-powered train network has a new kid on the block. The gas-guzzling Indian Railway system has just debuted its first solar-powered train, called the Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It will operate in the city of New Delhi.”

India relies heavily on diesel fuel and any opportunity to cut the use of diesel fuel, is worth taking. With the implementation of the new solar train, it is further stated, “Even so, Indian Railways estimates that just one train with six solar-panel equipped cars will save 21,000 liters (5,547 gallons) of diesel fuel per year, at a cost savings around Rs12 lakh (almost $20,000).” This is a big step in being able to take on bigger issues, and with the money being accumulated due to converting to solar trains/energy. The task of economic growth would be more feasible.

As noted by the EIA (Energy Information Administration), “Diesel fuel (refined from crude oil) produces many harmful emissions when it is burned, and diesel fueled vehicles are major sources of harmful pollutants such as ground-level ozone and particulate matter.” With the new solar powered train being introduced, this will greatly help solve the issue of harmful emissions as many countries may follow suit.

The trains will be propelled by diesel fuel but things like like air conditioning and comfort systems, will be powered by solar energy. Technology wise, this may be the greatest feature of converting to solar energy.

When looking at the NYC MTA subway systems especially in recent times. There has been numerous issues within, leading to massive delays which leaves people stranded on trains and at times, in sweltering conditions. As noted by the New York Times, “Signal problems were seemingly everywhere. They struck stations at West Fourth Street and Wall Street in Manhattan. They cropped up at the Mets-Willets Point station in Queens and at Church Avenue in Brooklyn. And they appeared in the Bronx at the Eastchester-Dyre Avenue stop.”

Innocent people are caught in the cross-hairs of these signal problems. Leaving them stranded in trains of crowded conditions and as noted earlier, sweltering conditions, which then only leads to panic. With the use of solar energy, these individuals will at least be able to have air conditioning, light and other commodities to help ease the situations.

Hopefully New York City and even the world will now proceed take a page from New Delhi’s book. The hope is that all begin implement new ways of not only helping the economy, but the individuals and the world, who will in the long run benefit from solar driven transportation.