100% electrified ER faces major safety focus
Additional Railway electrification member Ramendra Kumar Tewari conducted an inspection of various locations within Eastern Railway (ER), emphasizing safety concerns surrounding electrical installations. Tewari stressed the importance of regular maintenance of equipment, substations and depots to prevent fires, technical failures and service interruptions.
Accompanied by Dhaneswar Mohanta, the principal chief electrical engineer, Tewari examined the Howrah-Memari section in an inspection car, along with visits to Bandel station, the Traction Distribution (TRD) Depot and the Bandel substation. The inspection centered on fire safety, passenger safety, amenities, protective coordination at the Bandel substation and the overall dependability of electrical installations.
Tewari interacted with railway staff, reviewed maintenance practices, noted recent equipment failures and discussed corrective measures to prevent future incidents. He stressed strict adherence to maintenance procedures and more vigilance from field personnel to ensure the secure and efficient functioning of electrical systems.
Tewari also highlighted the significance of upgrading Model Overhead Equipment (OHE) Depots as centers for enhancing the technical abilities, practical skills and proficiency of railway personnel. An official stated, "Focused training and skill development of field staff should be undertaken to enhance the reliability and safety of OHE installations."
The Eastern Railway has been actively advancing its electrical infrastructure by transitioning trains from End On Generation (EOG) to Head On Generation (HOG) systems. This change allows electricity to be drawn directly from overhead equipment to power coach systems, eliminating the need for generator cars. The modification has resulted in decreased diesel consumption, reduced noise from generator cars and increased space for passenger coaches.
Additionally, OHE wires have been replaced to minimize the risk of OHE failures and improve the reliability of the overhead electrical network.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
