Novel initiatives taken by the Nagpur railway division have helped in converting its electric locomotives to work as mini power house by generating electricity.
"The new generation of 3-phase locomotives which are in use in Nagpur division at present and working on the state-of-the-art technology not only consumes much less electrical energy in operation but also generates electricity while going on the down gradient and braking," Divisional Railway Manager (Nagpur) Brijesh Dixit said today.
"This electricity is fed back to the overhead wires and thus these locomotives also work as mini power house as there are areas where these locos generate more electricity than what they consume," Dixit said.
"By encouraging staff to go for conservation of energy the division has saved 1.31 crore units of electric traction energy worth Rs 9.64 crore in just four months," he said.
As part of the drive to control and conserve energy consumption and to thereby control the expenditure of the same, a special drive involving loco pilots, assistant loco pilots, station manager and other concerned staff of the division was launched, Dixit said.
"A pocket size book titled 'Urja Sanrankshan Mantra' (energy conservation mantras) containing 'Do's and Dont's' for various categories of staff was issued in May 2013 and the staff was counselled for the steps they have to take during their duty to ensure conservation of energy while hauling the trains by electric locomotives," he said.
To record data of consumption and conservation, Green Cards have been issued to the loco pilots.
"Practices like shutting engine down the loco while the trains wait for signal for longer time, coasting while going down the gradient, passing of trains through stations at maximum permissible speed and signals to be given in time, among others have been focused for ensuring maximum energy conservation," Dixit said.
