Provision of 750V power supply for maintenance of LHB rakes at washing/pit lines

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Indian Railways sanctioned for infrastructure development at 411 washing/pit lines covering entire country at Rs 210 crore

316 Washing/Pit lines completed by end of July, 2023

Rest are targeted for completion by 2nd Quarter of 2023

The developed new infrastructure would yield a net savings of Rs 500+ crore every year in ordinary working expenses

This work is a step towards IR’s zero carbon transition pathways to adopt a carbon neutral growth strategy

New Delhi (PIB: In November 2016, #RailwayBoard took a #policy decision to switch over 100% of its production to #LHB coaches from April 2018. An energy review undertaken at the #RailwayBoard showed that at 2021-22 base the #diesel consumption on #testing and #maintenance of #LHB rakes at washing/pit lines was about 1.84 lakh litres per day amounting to an annual recurring expense of approximately Rs 668+ crore which was projected to increase @20+% p.a. being a combined function of diesel prices and LHB fleet induction.

Comparatively, grid electrical energy is 70% to 80% cheaper. This issue is typical to #LHB and does not arise in #ICF coaches, and therefore, #infrastructure and capacity creation at washing/pit lines by providing 750V power supply for testing & maintenance of LHB rakes was important.

With this aim, capital works for 411 washing / pit lines on #IndianRailways (#IR) were sanctioned at a total capital cost of approx. Rs 210 crore. It was a thrust area monitored by the Railway Board in a span of less than one year, capital works were sanctioned and works awarded for infra creation at 411 #washing / #pitlines, covering entire #IR and by end of July 2023 works at 316 washing / pit lines have been completed. Rest are targeted for completion by Q2 of 2023.

The #infrastructure so created, by investing a capital of Rs 210 crore in #infra capacity creation at washing / pit lines, would yield a net savings of Rs 500+ crore every year in Ordinary Working Expenses. Coupled with the target of #HOG compliant locomotive fleet on IR, savings shall be much higher. This are a part of IR’s efforts to improve operational viability of passenger services, particularly #Mail/#Express segment through non-tariff measures by reducing costs and improving efficiency with optimisation.

#IndianRailways is deeply committed to cutting fossil fuel dependence and reduce its carbon footprint in the economy to achieve Net Zero by 2030. The Hon’ble #PMModi had laid down this in the National Statement at #COP’26. This work is a step towards IR’s low carbon transition pathways to adopt a carbon neutral growth strategy.

The above showcases IR’s relentless pursuit in identifying works and areas that fetch discernible benefits – in terms of #safety, cost economies, #carbon footprint and #HR efficiency.