
Ministry of Railways Wins PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026
#GS-3 #Science & Technology #Energy #Environment #Sustainable Development #Government Schemes
Key takeaways
- The Ministry of Railways won the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026 for leading rooftop solar adoption across government facilities.
- It solarized 12,495 of 15,868 identified buildings (79% coverage) and operationalized 351 MW of clean energy capacity.
- Railway solar projects represent almost 48% of all 25,984 solarized government buildings across 77 Central ministries.
- The Ministry aims to achieve 100% solarization of all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027.
Why in News
- The Ministry of Railways won the top position among all Central ministries and departments for installing rooftop solar systems on government buildings.
- Because of this achievement, the Ministry received the prestigious PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026.
About the Award and Scheme
- The PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award recognizes outstanding performance under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
- The Ministry of Railways won first place in the category of Maximum Buildings Solarized by Central Ministries/Departments.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organizes these awards to honor successful clean energy adoption.
- This award program aims to encourage government departments to install solar panels, reduce reliance on standard electricity, and promote green infrastructure.
Key Achievements of the Ministry of Railways
- The Ministry installed rooftop solar systems on 12,495 out of 15,868 identified railway buildings, reaching 79% coverage.
- It successfully set up 351 MW of rooftop solar power capacity against a target of 424 MW, completing nearly 83% of its target.
- Railway installations make up almost 48% of the 25,984 government buildings solarized across 77 Central ministries and departments.
- The Ministry plans to install solar systems on all remaining suitable railway buildings by March 2027.
Significance
- This project increases clean energy generation in public facilities, cuts down reliance on fossil fuels, and supports India's climate goals.
- Rooftop solar panels will lower long-term power bills and boost energy efficiency across railway stations and offices.
- This success sets a strong example for other government departments to speed up their own renewable energy projects.