PQR—Do We Really Need It?

Based on source information, we wrote:

26 Nov 2025: “Birthing a Monopoly: Northern Railway’s ₹40-Crore PQR Tenders Under Fire”

Several officers and supervisors contacted us. They were worried that this product is now a necessity and that our article can be misinterpreted. Based on this we clarified our stand in our Video report on @RailVisionTV on YouTube Channel-

#Ep156: एकाधिकार के जन्मदाता: #PQR टेंडर्स पर प्रश्नचिह्न!

Word from the Past

We contacted retired senior officers from the #RailwayBoard and #SouthernRailway, as well as some senior supervisors of #RDSO familiar with the case. It was discovered that RDSO had strongly supported the Railway’s position, developing a case to help Indian Railways avoid penalties and escape from the need of addition of new equipment. We received several old documents; however, some of the officers involved in the matter were unavailable.

The Issue

The main problem lies in the formation of the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) Regulations. These Regulations derive their authority from the Electricity Act, 2003 and are grounded in either Indian or international standards. It’s reported that Railways presented a compelling argument, asserting that the #CEA should select between #IEEE and #IEC standards and unequivocally favour IEC.

The IEEE (Institution of Electrical & Electronics Engineers) is a private association for engineers. In contrast, the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) headquartered in Paris has countries as its members. When it comes to choice of standards, adopting an IEEE standard would classify IR’s traction load as a grid polluter.

However, IEC standards address this issue quite differently and are more aligned with India’s needs and reality. India’s power sector has evolved into one of the world’s largest integrated grids.

Railway engineers need to advocate effectively, much like lawyers, to support the nation’s industrial growth. It’s important to acknowledge that while renewable energy sources and energy-efficient loads align with the government’s priorities, they can lead to electric pollution compared to traditional generators and loads. A strict reading of the regulations can leave industrial users at the mercy of state electricity boards, which, due to financial challenges, often view large industrial users as a significant revenue opportunity.

Indian Railway Loses

Indian Railways lost its case when Central Electricity Authority agreed to adopt the IEEE standard instead of the IEC one. Experts suggest that the use of this Power Quality Restorer (#PQR) equipment can be largely avoided by properly interpreting the regulations and governing standards. While buying new equipment might be justified by the penalties involved, the entire argument to buy the equipment collapses as the very cause of action becomes unsustainable when the correct governing standard is adopted.

For Indian Railways, creating extra space at every traction sub-station (#TSS) is a significant challenge. Senior experts largely favour avoiding the addition of new equipment, which would lead to further electrical losses and increased revenue expenditure for annual maintenance contracts.

Postscript

A senior officer has expressed concerns that the Rail Energy Management Company (#REMCL) was established to address situations like the current one. However, he argues that unless REMCL is liberated from the influence of a select few who seek postings in New Delhi, it cannot assume the leadership necessary to ensure the sustainability and reliability of the Traction Distribution (called #TRD).

The officer further noted that with the complete electrification of Indian Railways, the electrical department has failed significantly, posing a major obstacle to the growth of the railway network. Contd..