ABB wins order to supply transformers to Indian Railways

Alstom has awarded a contract to ABB for supply of 1600 traction transformers for 800 new electric freight locomotives in India. The new locomotives will expand Indian Railways’ capacity, easing congestion on busy routes for both freight and passenger services.

“The transformers will be manufactured locally in ABB’s Vadodara facility in Gujarat, supporting the government’s Make in India initiative to encourage manufacturing in the country,” said ABB in a press release. ABB has been manufacturing and supplying traction transformers for the Indian Railways and metro rail from the Vadodara factory since 1999.

Indian Railways operates the largest rail network in Asia, and is the world’s second-largest rail network operated under single management. The company moves more than 12,500 trains and 23 million passengers daily, equivalent to the population of Australia.

ABB will supply 25 kilovolt (kV)/50 hertz (Hz) underframe traction transformers for the 800 locomotives (2 units per locomotive).The compact transformers are designed for the most demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures and voltage fluctuations. They will support heavy freight loads over long distance haulage under rigorous conditions, including steep inclines.

“The scale of this order is a recognition of our ability to deliver technologically-advanced reliable products, locally and to cater to evolving customer needs. ABB has been a long term partner for Indian Railways and Alstom. Investments planned in the railways will shape the direction of economic growth in India, paving the way for next level innovative technologies to be designed, adapted and manufactured in the country,” said Sanjeev Sharma, CEO and managing director, ABB India.

Traction transformers feed power at safe voltages to essential train functions like traction, brakes, lighting, heating and ventilation, as well as passenger information, signalling and communication. Used by rail operators around the globe, ABB traction transformers are manufactured at its plants in Switzerland, India and China, and provide the highest levels of availability and reliability for uninterrupted train service.