Mumbai: Faster, waterproof locals with Train 18 technology soon

The Indian Railways have created the first prototype of EMU (local train) rake having electrics, transformers, and motors in the underslung. It has already reached Central Railway (CR) and its trials shall be carried out soon. These trains are similar to ‘Train 18’ as far as its electrics and mechanical systems are concerned.

Having motors and transformers in the underslung would mean the creation of additional capacity by 10-15 percent. Currently, a 12-car local train carries 6000-6500 commuters as against its actual capacity of 2250 commuters. When the bulky transformers and electrics go in the space between wheels and coaches, it will increase its carrying capacity by at least 600-900 people, depending on the time of day. Currently, 78 lakh people travel on both CR and WR every day, with an average annual growth of 1-2 per cent.

At present, every third coach of a 12-car train has transformers and other equipment, which connects to the pantograph on the roof. “The first non-AC EMU train having transformers in the underslung has already reached Mumbai. Its trials will be carried out once the Commissioner of Railway Safety gives clearance,” said a senior Railway official on condition of anonymity.

The trials will be carried out on the Kalyan-Karjat/Kasara section. Another railway official said that despite the machines and electric systems being underneath, they will not be affected during heavy rains, especially when tracks are flooded. “These machines are waterproof. These advanced electric systems can chug through 400 mm of water depth, but at a slow speed,” he added.

Also, it will help increase the speed of train up to 130kmph.