Steps on to run metro systems on solar power

KMRL all set to install solar plant in Kasaragod district; talks going on to acquire 90 acres of land in Kuttanad

- KRISHNA KUMAR K E @Kochi

THE Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has initiated major steps, including the setting up of a solar plant on 50 acres in Kasaragod district, to harness solar energy in line with its ambitious plan to be fully energy neutral by 2030.

"We've to go for solar power for the Water Metro. But we'll do it for Kochi Metro on a war footing. Sooner or later, we'll have to run these two modern transport systems on solar energy. The sooner the better," KMRL managing director Loknath Behera told TNIE.

While KMRL is in the process of setting up a solar plant in Kasaragod, it has initiated talks to acquire 90 acres in Kuttanad in Alappuzha district.

"We're acquiring 50 acres in Kasaragod. It has almost been finalised. We now have to entrust an agency like INKEL to implement it," Behera said.

On getting the land, it will take nearly six to eight months to put up the solar plant, he said. "If everything goes as per plan, we can implement the project by the end of this year. Also, talks are on with the forest department to get some land, around 90 acres, in Kuttanad," he said.