Ministry of Railways Wins PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026

Introduction

The award was presented by the Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on 5 November 2026 at the Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Ministry of Railways has installed rooftop solar systems in 12,495 out of 15,868 identified feasible railway buildings, achieving 79% coverage. It has also commissioned 351 MW of rooftop solar capacity against a target of 424 MW. This achievement highlights the growing role of Indian Railways in promoting renewable energy, reducing electricity expenditure and developing sustainable public infrastructure.

What is the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026?

• The PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award is a recognition given to ministries and departments for their achievements in promoting rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar initiative.
• The award encourages government institutions to adopt renewable energy and make their buildings more energy-efficient.
• In 2026, the Ministry of Railways secured the top position in the category of:
• Maximum Buildings Solarised by Central Ministries/Departments.
• The recognition reflects the Ministry’s efforts to expand rooftop solar infrastructure across railway buildings, offices and other suitable establishments.

Key Details of the Award

Why Did the Ministry of Railways Receive This Award?

• The Ministry of Railways received this recognition because of its large-scale rooftop solar installation programme across railway infrastructure.
• According to the Ministry’s official figures, it identified 15,868 feasible railway buildings for rooftop solar installations.
• Out of these, 12,495 buildings have already been equipped with rooftop solar systems.
• This represents approximately 79% of the identified buildings.

Major Achievements of the Ministry of Railways

A. Highest Rooftop Solar Coverage

• Total feasible buildings identified: 15,868.
• Buildings equipped with rooftop solar: 12,495.
• Solarisation coverage: Approximately 79%.
• The Ministry secured first position among Central Ministries and Departments in this category.

B. Significant Solar Power Capacity

• The Ministry has commissioned 351 MW of rooftop solar capacity against its target of 424 MW.
• This means that approximately 83% of its targeted rooftop solar capacity has been achieved.

C. Major Contribution to Government Building Solarisation

• Across 77 Central Ministries and Departments, 25,984 out of 39,135 identified buildings have been solarised.
• This represents approximately 66% of the identified buildings.
• The Ministry of Railways alone accounts for nearly 48% of these solarised government buildings.

D. Target for Complete Solarisation

• The Ministry has committed to installing rooftop solar systems on all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027. Press Information Bureau+1

Understanding the Solarisation Performance of Indian Railways

The following table summarises the Ministry’s performance:

These figures demonstrate the scale of renewable energy adoption across Indian Railways.

The installation of rooftop solar systems across railway buildings can help generate electricity close to the point of consumption, reduce dependence on grid electricity and improve the overall energy efficiency of railway infrastructure.

What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

• The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a Central Government scheme launched on 13 February 2024 to promote rooftop solar installations among residential households.
• The scheme aims to provide affordable solar electricity to households by encouraging the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Key Objectives of PM Surya Ghar Yojana

1. Promote rooftop solar installations across Indian households.
2. Reduce household electricity bills.
3. Encourage the use of clean and renewable energy.
4. Reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources.
5. Support India’s long-term renewable energy and climate commitments.
6. Encourage domestic manufacturing and employment in the solar energy sector.

Key Features of PM Surya Ghar Yojana

The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to eligible residential consumers for installing rooftop solar systems.

Important clarification: PM Surya Ghar is primarily a residential rooftop solar scheme. The PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026 also recognises the performance of Central Ministries and Departments in solarising their government buildings. The award received by Railways is an institutional recognition, not a household subsidy. DFG _2025-26_ MNRE+1

What is Rooftop Solar Energy?

Rooftop solar energy refers to electricity generated by installing solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftops of buildings.

These panels convert sunlight into electrical energy, which can be used to operate electrical appliances, lighting systems, machinery and other equipment.

Rooftop solar systems can be installed on:

• Residential houses.
• Government buildings.
• Railway stations and offices.
• Educational institutions.
• Hospitals.
• Commercial establishments.
• Industrial buildings.

How Does a Rooftop Solar System Work?

The working process is relatively simple:

1. Solar Panels: Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
2. Solar Inverter: The inverter converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is used by most electrical appliances.
3. Electricity Consumption: The generated electricity is used within the building.
4. Excess Electricity: Surplus electricity may be exported to the electricity grid under applicable net-metering or other regulatory arrangements.
5. Grid Electricity: When solar generation is insufficient, electricity can be drawn from the grid.

Important Components of a Rooftop Solar System

How is Indian Railways Promoting Renewable Energy?

• Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world and operates an extensive infrastructure consisting of railway stations, administrative buildings, workshops, production units and maintenance facilities.
• These facilities require substantial electricity for their daily operations.
• To reduce dependence on conventional electricity and promote sustainable railway operations, the Ministry has been expanding the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.

Major Areas of Solar Energy Adoption in Railways

1. Railway Stations

Rooftop solar panels can generate electricity for lighting, fans, passenger facilities and other station requirements.

2. Administrative Buildings

Solar installations across railway offices help reduce electricity expenditure and support energy-efficient administration.

3. Workshops and Production Units

Railway workshops and manufacturing facilities require significant electricity. Rooftop solar installations can meet a portion of their electricity requirements.

4. Railway Service Buildings

Solar systems can also be installed on other suitable railway establishments, helping expand renewable energy generation across the network.

5. Sustainable Railway Infrastructure

The use of renewable energy supports the development of environmentally sustainable railway infrastructure and reduces the carbon intensity of electricity consumption.

Significance of the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award for Indian Railways

The award is important because it highlights the role of public institutions in India’s renewable energy transition.

A. Promotion of Clean Energy

Rooftop solar installations increase the generation of electricity from renewable sources and reduce dependence on conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity.

B. Reduction in Electricity Expenditure

Solar power generated on railway buildings can reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid, potentially lowering long-term electricity expenditure.

C. Sustainable Public Infrastructure

Indian Railways operates thousands of buildings across the country. Solarising these buildings can make public infrastructure more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.

D. Support for India’s Climate Commitments

India has committed to expanding renewable energy and reducing the emissions intensity of its economy.

Greater solar adoption across public institutions supports these broader climate objectives.

E. Encouraging Other Government Departments

The achievement of Indian Railways can encourage other ministries, departments and public-sector institutions to accelerate rooftop solar installations.

F. Better Utilisation of Available Rooftop Space

Large government buildings often have considerable unused rooftop space. Installing solar panels allows these spaces to be used for electricity generation without requiring large additional land areas.

Renewable Energy and Indian Railways: Broader Environmental Significance

• The adoption of solar energy by Indian Railways has significance beyond electricity savings.
• It contributes to the development of a cleaner transportation ecosystem.

Some of the major environmental benefits include:

• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Solar electricity can reduce emissions associated with grid electricity, depending on the electricity displaced.
• Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence: Greater renewable electricity generation supports a gradual shift away from conventional energy sources.
• Energy Efficiency: Local electricity generation can help reduce dependence on external electricity supply.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Renewable energy adoption supports efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
• Sustainable Development: Clean energy infrastructure contributes to environmentally responsible economic growth.

However, the actual environmental benefits depend on factors such as solar generation, the electricity mix being displaced, equipment life and end-of-life recycling.

Challenges in Expanding Rooftop Solar Installations

Although rooftop solar offers several benefits, its expansion across large public infrastructure faces certain challenges.

1. High Initial Investment

Installing rooftop solar systems requires initial expenditure on solar panels, inverters, mounting structures and electrical connections.

2. Availability of Suitable Rooftop Space

Not every building has adequate rooftop space. Structural strength, shading and building design can affect installation feasibility.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Solar panels require periodic cleaning, inspection and maintenance to ensure efficient electricity generation.

4. Intermittent Nature of Solar Energy

Solar power generation depends on sunlight and weather conditions. It is not available at night and may decrease during cloudy or rainy weather.

5. Grid Integration

Large-scale rooftop solar adoption requires suitable electricity distribution infrastructure, grid management and appropriate regulatory arrangements.

6. Battery Storage and Recycling

Where battery storage is used, its cost, maintenance and end-of-life disposal need proper planning.

7. Institutional Coordination

Large organisations such as Indian Railways have geographically distributed infrastructure. Coordinating installations, procurement, maintenance and monitoring across different locations can be challenging.

Way Forward

To strengthen rooftop solar adoption across Indian Railways and other public institutions, the following measures are important:

• Complete the Solarisation Target: Install rooftop solar systems on all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027.
• Promote Domestic Manufacturing: Encourage domestic production of solar panels, inverters and other components.
• Strengthen Grid Infrastructure: Improve distribution networks to accommodate increasing rooftop solar generation.
• Encourage Energy Storage: Promote suitable battery storage solutions to improve the utilisation of solar electricity.
• Ensure Regular Maintenance: Establish monitoring and maintenance systems to maintain the efficiency of solar installations.
• Improve Institutional Coordination: Encourage coordination between railway zones, divisions and the relevant government departments.
• Promote Green Public Infrastructure: Extend renewable energy adoption to other public buildings, educational institutions and government establishments.

The experience of Indian Railways can provide a useful example for other government institutions seeking to reduce their conventional electricity consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which ministry won the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026?

The Ministry of Railways won the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026 by securing the first position in the category of Maximum Buildings Solarised by Central Ministries/Departments.

Q2. Who presented the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026?

The award was presented by the Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Q3. How many railway buildings have been equipped with rooftop solar systems?

The Ministry of Railways has installed rooftop solar systems in 12,495 out of 15,868 identified feasible buildings, achieving approximately 79% coverage.

Q4. How much rooftop solar capacity has been commissioned by Indian Railways?

The Ministry of Railways has commissioned 351 MW of rooftop solar capacity against its target of 424 MW.

Q5. What is the target for complete solarisation of feasible railway buildings?

The Ministry aims to install rooftop solar systems on all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027.

Q6. Which ministry implements the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) implements the scheme.

Q7. What is the main objective of PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

The main objective is to promote rooftop solar installations among residential households, reduce electricity bills and encourage clean energy generation.

Q8. What is the difference between rooftop solar and ground-mounted solar?

Rooftop solar systems are installed on the roofs of buildings, whereas ground-mounted solar systems are installed on land specifically developed for solar power generation.

Conclusion

The PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award 2026 recognises the Ministry of Railways for its contribution towards promoting renewable energy through large-scale rooftop solar installations. With 12,495 railway buildings solarised and 351 MW of rooftop solar capacity commissioned, Indian Railways has demonstrated how large public institutions can contribute to India’s clean energy transition.

The initiative is important not only for reducing electricity expenditure but also for encouraging sustainable infrastructure, improving energy efficiency and supporting India’s renewable energy ambitions. The achievement also highlights the importance of government institutions in leading by example and encouraging wider adoption of clean energy technologies. Going forward, completing the solarisation of all remaining feasible railway buildings by March 2027 will be an important milestone in strengthening India’s green railway infrastructure.