Nagpur Division saves Rs 5 cr via energy conservation

The Nagpur division of Central Railway has achieved a unique distinction in energy conservation by saving revenue to the tune of Rs 5 crore during a special drive within a span of just three months starting from June this year.

The Railway Board declared 2013 as year for energy conservation. Authorities led by Divisional Railway Manager Brajesh Dixit and his colleague Sr Divisional Electrical Engineer Namdeo Rabde followed the guidelines and chalked out a plan on the conservation front. It was realised that 90 percent of the energy was consumed by idle locomotives following which they planned seminars and discussion with the train crew.

As a part of this drive, seminars on Energy Conservation were organized at divisional level to educate running staff as well as staff of concerned departments. Booklets of 'Urja Saurakshan Mantra' (tips on energy saving) and Monsoon Mantra were circulated to all the running staff involving those in train operations.

Star rated Loco Pilots who exhibited their performance in coasting and regeneration of energy were selected and rewarded from time to time.

According to railway statistics, in the month of July last year, 4.39 crores units of electricity was consumed which reduced to 4.03 crores this year.

Subsequently, Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) for the month of June, July and August 2013 improved by 8 per cent, 17 per cent and 12 percent respectively as compared to figures of last year.

This resulted in reduction of energy and saving of revenue (Rs 5 crore) incurred on energy payment, the Public Relations Officer P D Patil said.