No noisy, smoky locomotives on Central Railway anymore

Central Railway has upgraded all 63 LHB coaches of 58 trains with Head on Generation system

The annoying blaring sound and smoke from the long-distance trains are almost a thing of the past on Central Railway, with the upgradation to the Head on Generation (HoG) technology. According to officials, the system is not just less polluting, but also saves up on the cost.

The HoG system, which replaces the diesel locomotives, draws electricity from the overhead electric lines to run the train's air conditioning, lights, fans, etc. Over the past year, Central Railway (CR) modified the technology of all 63 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches of 58 trains. Only three-four trains are left to be modified now.

"In the Head on Generation system, electricity is drawn from the overhead power lines, converted and fed to the train's requirements of AC, lights, fans, etc. The earlier system required two generator cars at either end, but only one is needed in the HoG system. This means an end to the blaring sound and smoke at the stations, which cause noise and air pollution. It also means one less generator car and saving on diesel," a senior official said.

With the HoG system, CR saved Rs 5.59 crore in November and Rs 6.72 crore in December last year, said chief public relations officer Shivaji Sutar. "Further, the elimination of noise and air pollution at platforms is helping achieve the absolute goal of a clean environment," he added. Western Railway also upgraded 67 trains to the HoG system last year.