Railways are getting smarter with advanced and modernized coaches, electric trains, hygienic railway stations, and more. Overhead electrification has revolutionized the railways in several ways. At present most of the reputed OHE contractors are busy with completing different OHE projects for railways, metro, and several other industrial and manufacturing purposes. Reputed contractors and Indian Railway are in severe efforts to complete overhead electrification work in all of the routes within a short period. Here are some of the important benefits of overhead electrification in railways.
Energy conservation
Railway transport is more energy efficient when compared with road transport. The information provided by the Indian Railway state that railways are six times more energy efficient compared to road, four times more economical in land usage and six times most cost-effective than road construction. Every 100 kilometers with overhead electrification section can save annual consumption of four million plus liters that in turns results in an annual saving of around Rs.2500 crores in foreign exchange.
Best for suburban transport
Electric multiple units (EMU) are so perfect for suburban services. It assures higher acceleration and better breaking features needed for frequent starts and stops. Railway electrification acts as the backbone of suburban transportation especially in the metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The reports say that around 1950 EMU trains are running regularly in the Mumbai area carrying about 5 million passengers every day. EMU services have become so popular and are spreading to several line sections.
High capacity freight trains and longer passenger trains
Electrification in railway increases the capacity of the train. Now the freight trains can carry more load with imported locomotive and have proved the capacity in the tests. Passenger trains can carry more coaches with a single locomotive with the benefits of electrification. Indian railway is taking severe and sincere efforts to increase the speed of long-running trains with more coaches.
Clear environment
Electric traction is less pollutant than the existing diesel engines. This is one of the important benefits of railways electrification. It gives a pollution-free environment for both the travelers and the people in the surrounding environment. Electric traction is Eco-friendlier for the areas with delicate flora and fauna. This reduces air pollution and noise and creates fewer disturbances to the wildlife habitat.
Modernization and digitization
Railways electrification makes use state-of-the-art technology to enhance the reliability of the power supply system and to minimize the maintenance cost. Telecommunication and signalling systems are also upgraded to give instant messages and better visibility of signalling to loco pilots for a safe train journey. In all terms,over head electrification in railways has made a fantastic start to modernization, up gradation, and digitization process. Now 8 wheeler self-propelled OHE inspection vehicles with a complete range of facilities are used to improve the maintenance.
The reputed OHE supplies manufacturers of the country,like Premnath Rail, are helping the OHE contractors to complete the railway electrification works on time and within the budget by providing cost-effective supplies and solutions.
