Railways planning to convert old diesel locos into electrical, calls it economically viable

Indian Railways has formed a high-level committee to reassess the planning to convert diesel locomotives into electrical ones. The conversion move is a part of Railways plan of a total shift to electric traction, thereby reducing the fossil fuel consumption of about 2.83 billion litres per annum.

New Delhi: Indian Railways has formed a high-level committee to reassess the planning to convert diesel locomotives into electrical ones. "It is economically and technically the best way to deal with ageing engines which lives have just five to six years left," said a senior Railway Official.

The committee was formed a month ago to explore the pros and cons of the conversion plan which is expected to provide a report by August 15, informed Railway Board Chairman, Vinod Kumar Yadav during a virtual press conference.

He further explained, "These diesel locomotives are very old and have barely five to six years of life. Due to this conversion, they will have a lifespan of five to ten years more. Also, the old locomotives were around 4,500 HP, but now we are using 1200 HP, 9000 HP locomotives."

The conversion move is a part of Railways plan of a total shift to electric traction, thereby reducing the fossil fuel consumption of about 2.83 billion litres per annum.

As a part of its Green Initiative, Railways has converted 505 pair of trains to Head on Generation have a potential of saving approx 70 million litres of diesel costing Rs 450 crore per annum.

The first converted locomotive was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019, from Varanasi which is the world's first-ever Diesel converted locomotive. It was converted in Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, under the 'Make In India' initiative.

"However, we are also exploring which is beneficial- putting money in the conversion of these low horsepower locos and getting only limited years of working or if we manufacture a new locomotive of higher capacity," stated Yadav.

Railways are also considering to export these locos to the neighbouring countries which still use diesel engines. Though, in such case, Railways would need to convert it's bogies as those countries are on the standard gauge while India is on broad gauge.

The Chairman Railway Board added, "We could also do away with the mid-term rehabilitation of such locomotives which is being done after 18 years to auction off their parts. But we haven't taken a final decision yet."