PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 16: The Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway (SER), one of the leading revenue-earning railway divisions of the country is all set to achieve 100% electrification soon. The project 100 % electrification of balanced broad-gauge lines of Indian Railways is a CCEA-approved project of electrification of remaining non-electrified broad gauge (BG) routes of Indian Railways.
Chakradharpur railway division officials told this portal that after the completion of electrification all the track networks will be 100 % operational on electric traction.
The 100 per cent electrification which is going to complete in the next few months has several benefits. It will ensure an Improved signaling system and will lead to enhanced safety in train operation. 100 per cent electrification will provide smooth train operation by eliminating detention of trains due to changes in traction.
The downtime of diesel loco can be eliminated for fuelling. It also leads to energy saving and the economy. The cost of a hauling load with diesel traction is almost three to four times more expensive than electric traction.
Officials claimed that the regeneration facility of electric locomotives will save 15-20 % of energy. Moreover, electrification is environment friendly as there is no carbon emission and it keeps the environment clean.
Notably, the annual average saving of revenue in the Chakradharpur division with electrification will be around: Rs 34.97 Cr. Chakradharpur division is one of the four railway divisions under South Eastern Railway zone of Indian Railways.