Solution To Mumbai Rains: This 'Waterproof' Locomotive Engine Can Run In 12 Inches Of Water!

Central Railway develops locomotive engine that will work even in 12 inches of water and pull local and long-distance trains stranded on waterlogged tracks.

Train services disrupted.¡± The three words that strike fear through the hearts of Mumbaikars during the monsoon may soon be a thing of the past.

The Central Railway is ready to roll out a modified, ¡°waterproof¡± locomotive engine that will be able to run even in 12 inches of water. Usually, just four inches of water can bring a locomotive engine to its knees and force the train to stay put until the tracks clear.

Business Standard

The modified engine will be used to move trains that are stuck on flooded tracks, doing away with needless delays.

SK Jain, divisional railway manager of Central Railway, Mumbai division, said the monsoon often wreaks havoc on train services. ¡°Waterlogged tracks maroon local trains and other rolling stock. When the level crosses 4 inches, water enters traction motors at the bottom of the engine. This can cause an ¡®engine failure¡¯.¡±

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A crucial modification in the engine is the complete sealing of its motors to prevent water from entering.

There are also sensors that will constantly monitor increases in motor temperature.

Officials said trials have been completed and the engine ¡ª currently stationed at the Kurla locomotive shed ¡ª is ready to be pressed into action.

A Central Railway official called the modification ¡°the need of the hour¡±. ¡°The engine will help tackle the recurring problem of trains being brought to a standstill.¡±

Havoc year after year

The rain disrupts train services every year. During heavy rain in September last year, 23 rakes were stuck on tracks. According to Sunil Udasi, chief public relations officer, Central Railway, 155 coaches had to be put out of service after water flowed into them last monsoon. The season was marred by many daily service cancellations.