WR implements various initiatives to provide better travelling experience as well as safety of passengers

Implements various initiatives for providing cleaner, greener, faster, environment friendly rail transportation

For a better travelling experience as well as safety of passengers, Western Railway has implemented many initiatives and advance technology for the better travelling experience as well as safety of passengers.

It is noteworthy to mention that despite the tough times amidst the COVID – 19 induced lockdown, many initiatives & technology has been initiated in the same direction. GM Ashok Kansal - has appreciated & applauded the outstanding achievements by all concerned Principal Heads of Departments & their teams for their marvelous achievements despite the challenging situations.

According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur - Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the year 2020-21 had been a tough year. Inspite of the hurdles thrown by the pandemic, Western Railway achieved many milestones and there have been several landmark events.

WR has accomplished commendable performance in providing cutting edge technology for safe train operations, provision of passenger amenities such as Wi – Fi, Lifts & escalators, installation of renewable sources of energy, provision of energy efficient LED lights in railway premises, conversion of regular electric locomotives into Head On Generation (HOG) technology and others.

Enhanced Passenger Convenience at Stations

With a view to enhance the travelling experience to passengers at stations, WR has provided various passenger amenities & conveniences. Six nos. of High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans have been provided at Mumbai Central & five nos. at Churchgate station. As on date, 39 nos of such HVLS fans have been installed at various important stations of WR.

Also, for the convenience of senior citizens & Divyang people, 15 lifts & 26 escalators were commissioned over WR in the year 2020 -21 taking their total to 106 & 105 respectively. Free Wi-Fi has been provided at 25 stations across Western Railway in the year 2020-21.

WR also took keen initiative to replace conventional inefficient light fittings at all the 726 electrified stations and provided energy efficient LED lights. It resulted in improved level of illumination and also, in recurring saving of about Rs. 12 crores per annum. Further, 75 stations have been provided with airport style illumination during the year 2020 – 21, taking the total to 186.

Renewable Energy (Solar Plants)

With an aim to reduce the carbon footprints by Railways, various measures have been adopted in this direction. 9.44 MWp solar plants have been installed over W.Rly. These plants have been commissioned and connected to grid and as a result, there is recurring saving of about Rs.25 lakh per month in non traction energy bill due to generation of Green energy from these units. The cumulative saving during current financial year is Rs. 2.84 crores, which is 26.26% higher than same period of last financial year.

Trains taken over on HOG

Western Railway is at present operating 67 regular train pairs on Head On Generation (HOG) system, highest on IR. As a result of switching over to HOG system, Western Railway has achieved net saving of Rs. 66.08 crores during current financial year 2020-21.

Hard work reflects in awards

Western Railway is pursuing various energy conservation measures to promote clean & green energy. As a result of these efforts, WR received First prize in Transport category during National Energy Conservation Awards – 2020, instituted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power. Apart from it, 2 awards were received in Institute category viz. First Prize for DRM office Bhavnagar and Second Prize for DRM office Rajkot. These awards were presented by R.K.Singh, Minister of Power & Renewable Energy in an online function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in Jan 2021.

It is also a matter of pride that W. Rly’s Electric Loco Shed - Vadodara secured Silver Award in 13th Quality Counsel of India's - D.L Shah Quality award for the project of Push-Pull Operation. The award was received during the inaugural session of Quality Conclave on 17th December 2020 through online function. D.L. Shah Quality awards launched in 2007 are given to the outstanding projects of establishments within India that have resulted in continuous improvement of process, products/services, better/effective operations. These accolades & awards are the untiring & dedicated efforts undertaken by the Electrical Department under the leadership of Sanjiv Bhutani - Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (PCEE)

Safety First Always

Safety has always been the priority of Western Railway and the Signalling & Telecommunication (S&T) Department of Western Railway under the aegis of Shri Harish Gupta – Principal Chief Signalling & Telecommunication Engineer (PCSTE) undertook phenomenal work even during the COVID–19 Lockdown.

A new & advanced technology of Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) System was introduced in the suburban trains between Churchgate to Virar over Mumbai’s suburban section. This system will enable several possibilities of communication between the crew of EMU train with the Control Centre as well as enable Broadcast Call by Control to Passengers and also between all EMU cabs.

Another noteworthy accomplishment during the year 2020 – 21, is the interlocking of 26 Level Crossing gates and provision of sliding booms at 60 locations. Also, State-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking has been provided at 35 stations.

Maintenance facilities for Electric Locomotives in Diesel sheds

Moving with pace and transforming as per need of the future, a new chapter was added to the history of Diesel Loco Shed, Vatva and Ratlam, as these diesel sheds started maintenance of electric locomotives.

Ratlam Shed turned out its first electric loco no. 23292 WAG5H after overhauling (TOH) in Aug.’20. Diesel Shed Vatva has also developed expertise for overhauling of electric locos. The IOH schedule of electric loco no. 23739 WAG5(P) was carried out by Vatva shed and loco turned out on 27th August 2020.