Railways to adopt HOG system to reduce pollution

Indian railways are chalking out options to reduce noise and fumes which is being generated from train’s power generator. The railway authority is all set to adapt Head on Generation (HOG), a clean technology for the power supply, which is tapped from overhead power lines and distributed to train coaches.

“The power generator cars which used to make huge noise and emit fumes will no more be there. In place of two such generator cars there will be one standby silent generator car to be used for emergency,” the railway ministry said.

The new technology HOG will be available at ₹6 per unit as compared to end EOG system, in which cost of power is ₹22 per unit, and is expected transform the way air conditioners (ACs) run and power is supplied in the railway coaches. This will result into a foreign exchange saving of about ₹1,400 crore per year as it will reduce dependence on diesel. Currently, there are two power cars at the end of every train in every Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake, where the electricity to be supplied to coaches is produced in a diesel generator.

“In place of the other car, there will be LHB second luggage, guard and divyaang compartment,” the ministry said. As a result, beginning October, more than four lakh additional berths will be available to passengers every day.

Rajesh Agarwal, member, rolling stock at the Railways Board told reporters that there is a plan to convert all LHB trains to HOG technology within the end of the current financial year. As of now, 342 trains have already started using the new technology.

Apart from the announcement pertaining to new clean technology, on Thursday, the national carrier announced slew of incentives, such as deferring its busy season surcharge of 15 per cent during October 1 to June 30 on freight. The automobile sector, which is looking at cutting costs, amid falling vehicle sales, had requested the railways for more rakes. Towards this, national transporter will hike the number of rakes for the automobile sector to ramp up freight loading.