The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) plans to add 5.4 MWp of solar capacity on its buildings and tracks in 2020 to attain 60 per cent energy neutrality. The installation of the rooftop solar panels will be completed by mid-November 2020 and the on-track panels will be completed by December 2020. These capacity additions will be over and above the existing capacity of 4 MW.
KMRL is a centre-state public sector company that was incorporated in 2011 and operates the Kochi Metro as well as the Kochi Water metro. It has adopted an energy service company model for all its projects where the vendor would take undertake the complete investment, operation and maintenance. KMRL had completed the first phase of the development of its solar generation systems with 2.7 MW of solar capacity implemented by Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) on Muttom yard. KMRL had completed the installation of solar panels as a part of its second phase at Thykoodam metro station. Work is also progressing at five other metro stations and there are also plans to install solar panels at the JLN metro station’s corporate office and the track and ramp area at Muttom depot.