Railways to Sign MoU for Procurement of 145 MW Solar Power from Madhya Pradesh

The Indian Railways plans to collaborate with the Madhya Pradesh government to acquire approximately 145 megawatts of solar power. This decision comes as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two entities. Over the past decade, Madhya Pradesh has seen the construction of 2,500 kilometres of railway tracks, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

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Vaishnaw highlighted that the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, known as Kavach, will be implemented on 3,572 route kilometres in Madhya Pradesh and 1,105 route kilometres in Chhattisgarh. "I thank the Madhya Pradesh government. MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is in touch with me and is extending full support to the Railways. He has given us a very good project," Vaishnaw stated during a virtual interaction following the Union budget announcement.

Railway Infrastructure Development

The state of Madhya Pradesh has received an allocation of Rs 14,745 crore in the Union budget for 2025-26. This funding is designated for infrastructure and various development activities related to the Railways. Vaishnaw noted that both the state and central governments are led by the BJP, which he referred to as a "double engine government."

In recent years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Madhya Pradesh has laid more railway tracks than Denmark's entire network. The total investment by the Railways in this central state amounts to Rs 1 lakh 8,000 crore. This investment covers new lines, track doubling, and station building projects.

Electrification Achievements

Vaishnaw also emphasised that complete track electrification has been accomplished in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This achievement is part of a broader range of railway activities currently underway in these states.

The collaboration between the Railways and Madhya Pradesh aims to enhance energy efficiency through solar power procurement. The MoU signifies a commitment to sustainable energy solutions while supporting extensive railway infrastructure development in the region.