You Will Soon Enjoy Train Travel At 200 Kmph, Thanks To This Made-In-India Electric Locomotive

Indian Railways is set to update its fleet of trains with a new electric locomotive that offers a better energy efficiency than the existing fleet. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), a state-owned electric locomotive manufacturer, has come up with the new locomotive, that sports an aerodynamic design -- first ever in the country.

The all-new electric locomotive comes with a 5400 HP and boasts of being India¡¯s first aerodynamically-designed locomotive, according to the CLW. As a result, the locomotive is also able to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.

CLW

The ¡®Make in India¡¯ electric locomotive will be used to run Indian Railway's premium trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Gatimaan Express and Rajdhani Express.

As for the updates on the new locomotive, it will offer a better energy efficiency, thanks to a reduced air drag and higher stability at high speeds through its aerodynamic design. The new engine will also sport a re-designed driver desk, with an improved gear arrangement for operations under high speeds of up to 200 km/h. The locomotive will also be able to record onboard driving data, through an embedded crew voice and video recording system.

As for the pricing of the new locomotive, it is expected to cost similar to the existing engines that are in use, i.e. around Rs 13 crore, as per a CLW official¡¯s statement.

The Indian government is looking for ways to reduce carbon footprint of almost all modes of transport in the country, including the Indian Railways. This also reflects in their future vision, as it plans to convert diesel locomotives that have been running for 18 years to electric-powered engines.

Reuters

Back in September, PM Narendra Modi-led Cabinet also approved the ambitious project of 100 percent electrification of the entire Indian Railways network by 2021-22. In addition, the centre is looking at alternate modes of transport too. For instance, the recent talks of a prototype run of pod taxi service powered by SkyTran is expected to be soon put to action by Reliance Industries Limited. The idea was first proposed by Nitin Gadkari back in 2016 following which, NITI Aayog had cleared the ministry¡¯s proposal for three rapid transit systems using Pod taxis.