Kochi Metro to take solar route

Kochi: Following the Cochin International Airport, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited is planning to make Kochi Metro as the first solar-powered metro system.

The metro operator, which signed an agreement in July with Hero Solar (P) Ltd to install a 4-megawatt solar energy plant, has reserved 40,000-sq m land at its coach maintenance yard at Muttom to place the solar panels.

KMRL has already invited proposals for the preparation of feasibility study and detailed project report for the project.

“Nine firms have participated in the bidding process in which Pune-based World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) quoted the lowest amount. They will conduct a feasibility study and prepare the DPR,” said a KMRL official.

Meanwhile, works have already been started to power the first phase of the metro project using solar energy.

“Solar panels are being erected atop the 22 metro stations and the coach maintenance yard buildings at Muttom. The first section of panel laying has been completed,” the official added.

The rooftop project is being implemented through RESCO model, where the vendor would invest (nearly '27 crores), operate and maintain. KMRL will buy the power from them.

The Union ministry of new and renewable energy will provide '4.8 crore for the project as a subsidy, which is 15 percent of the project cost. As per the agreement signed with Hero Solar, KMRL will purchase power at '5.51 per unit for next 25 years, which is the lowest rate for solar energy bought by any metro in the country.