The National Capital Region Transport Corporation has signed a 25-year agreement for a 110 MW solar plant in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. This project aims to cut the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor's electricity expenses—which account for over 30% of operational costs—by 25%. The facility, costing ₹450 crore, is expected to be ready in 24 months and will meet 60% of the corridor's energy needs.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement to secure green energy for the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat rapid transit corridor. The corporation has finalized plans for a 110 MW solar power plant to be set up in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. This project is a strategic move to manage rising operational costs, as electricity usage is currently one of the largest expenses for the transit network.
The project will be executed through NIRL NCRTC Renewables Ltd (NNRL), a joint venture where NLC India Renewables holds a 74% stake, while the NCRTC holds the remaining 26%. The total investment for this solar infrastructure is estimated at ₹450 crore. Under the terms of the agreement, the facility is set to supply electricity at a tariff of ₹2.73 per unit.
For the NCRTC, this move is primarily about financial efficiency. Electricity expenses currently make up between 30% and 35% of the total operating budget for the Namo Bharat corridor. By utilizing this captive solar arrangement, the corporation aims to reduce these power-related costs by approximately 25%. The plant is expected to meet 60% of the corridor’s total power requirements once it is commissioned in the next 24 months.
This infrastructure development comes as passenger traffic on the Namo Bharat service continues to grow. With total ridership recently crossing four crore journeys, ensuring consistent and cost-effective energy is critical for the long-term sustainability of the service.
While the initiative focuses on long-term cost control, there are operational factors to consider. The project depends on the successful commissioning of the solar plant within the 24-month timeline. Additionally, because the power must be channeled through the state grid to reach the transit substations, technical and regulatory coordination will be important. Stakeholders will likely monitor the construction progress to see if the timeline is met and if the anticipated cost savings materialize as planned in the coming years.