Central Railway Floats 1.3 MW Rooftop Solar Tender in Nagpur

Background and Context

The Nagpur division of Central Railway, operating under the Ministry of Railways, has officially invited bids for the installation of a 1.3 MW rooftop solar project. This initiative is part of the broader effort by Indian Railways to transition toward sustainable energy sources by utilizing station buildings and residential quarters at the Wardha and Ajni stations in Maharashtra. As the Indian government pushes for increased renewable energy adoption across public infrastructure, railway stations have become prime locations for rooftop solar deployment.

Key Details

The tender encompasses the complete lifecycle of the solar installation, including design, engineering, procurement, erection, installation, testing, and commissioning. Furthermore, the successful bidder will be responsible for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the solar systems for a period of 25 years. The estimated cost for this project is ₹104 million (~$1.11 million). Interested parties are required to submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹2.6 million (~$27,906) along with a non-refundable bid processing fee of ₹30,000 (~$321.9).

To qualify, bidders must demonstrate prior experience by having commissioned a solar project within the last three financial years or by providing evidence of payments received for at least one grid-connected solar project equivalent to 35% of the contracted capacity. Additionally, applicants must show financial capability by having received payments for at least 150% of the estimated project cost over the last three financial years. The project completion timeline is set at nine months from the date of award.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this tender represents a stable, long-term engagement with a government entity. The inclusion of a 25-year O&M clause ensures sustained revenue streams beyond the initial construction phase. Given the recent activity by REMCL and Northern Railway in similar rooftop solar segments, the railway sector continues to be a high-growth area for specialized solar contractors capable of handling complex site logistics at operational stations.

What Happens Next

The deadline for bid submission is May 25, 2026, with the official opening of bids scheduled for June 10, 2026. Prospective developers should ensure their financial and technical documentation aligns with the specific capacity requirements. As the India renewable energy sector continues to expand—with rooftop solar capacity reaching 7.1 GW in 2025—projects like these are essential for meeting the ambitious decarbonization targets set for the nation’s transport infrastructure.