GE's new locomotives a paradigm shift in Indian railways diesel family: Lohani

Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani on Thursday said the delivery of two 4,500 HP diesel-electric evolution series locomotives manufactured by GE is "a paradigm shift in diesel locomotive family".

The two locomotives were delivered to Indian Railways in the presence of Lohani here.

"Today marks a paradigm shift in diesel locomotive family," he said, complimenting GE for the new generation of fuel-efficient locomotives.

"The localisation aspect on this locomotive will eventually go upto 70 per cent making it a perfect example of Make in India," the Railway Board Chairman added.

The two new locomotives are part of the $2.5 billion contract that the General Electgric (GE) won in November 2015 to supply 1,000 diesel locomotives to the Indian Railways.

According to the agreement, GE is to build a manufacturing facility in Bihar, and two maintenance sheds elsewhere in the country, to service the locomotives over 11 years.

Beside delivering two locomotives, the GE also unveiled the state-of-the-art Roza Maintenance Shed in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district.

According to GE, the maintenance shed has been built on 20 acres with an investment of Rs 200 crores and will be equipped for digital monitoring of the GE Evolution Series diesel locomotives (4,500 and 6,000 hp) and will have a modern training institute for Indian Railways pilots.

After delivering two locomotives to the Indian Railways, Nalin Jain, President and CEO (International), GE Transportation said, "Our strong partnership with Indian Railways is aligned to Indian government railway modernization and Make in India efforts."

"The timely delivery of the first two locomotives and the unveiling of the Roza maintenance shed have been made possible owing to strong commitment from the GE team in India and globally, working closely with Indian Railways."

According to GE, the new diesel-electric evolution series engines use cutting edge technology to ensure higher fuel efficiency and emission compliance to international emission standard UIC1.

The locomotives are also digitally enabled for predictive analytics to set new standards for reliability and availability.

The GE also said that the locomotives have been designed taking into consideration basic comforts of loco pilots in terms of air-conditioned operator cab, noise pads for reduction in noise level, heated wind screens, urinals and digital displays.

--IANS

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