Ministry of Railways Wins PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026

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.