Electric loco for 10 trains to save Rs 88.4 crore

In an eco-friendly initiative, the South Western Railways (SWR) has claimed to save Rs 88.4 crore annually on cost fuel by introducing Head-on-Generation technology. It has been introduced so far in 10 pairs of trains on its network having Linke Hofmann Busch coaches and hauled by electric traction.

Earlier, two power cars known as End on Generators (EOG) were attached to the trains to generate power for providing air conditioning and lighting in coaches. These power cars emit fumes and noise pollution was up to 105 decibels, while the introduction of HOG will bring this down.

“The technology will also provide uninterrupted illumination in the coaches. In place of power coaches additional coaches will be augmented were additional berths will be available for passengers every day,” SWR said in a statement.

In the first phase, 10 pairs of trains have been converted into HOG technology having LHB coaches and running end-to-end with electric traction facility. It has been introduced in - Bengaluru–Hazrat Nizamuddin, Rajdhani Express; Bengaluru–Danapur, Sanghamitra Express; Bengaluru–Chennai, Shatabhdhi Express and Lalbagh Express; Bengaluru–Nanded Express; Bengaluru–Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Duronto Express; Mysuru–Chennai Express; Yeshwanthpur–Kochuveli Express and Yeshwanthpur–Bhagalpur, Anga Express.

Average savings of fuel per trip per train is Rs.3.5 lakh and the annual savings for the 10 pairs of trains works out to Rs.88.4 crore,” Ajay Kumar Singh, GM, SWR, said.