3,000 MT loading target Railways rolls out pan-India upgradation of 2x25 KV traction distribution network

 

 

 

With an eye on Mission 3,000 Metric Tonne (MT) loading target, the Railway Board is rolling out a pan-India upgradation of Traction Distribution (TRD) network with focus on 2x25 KV power stations. A programme is being undertaken by the Railways to enhance its share in freight from current 27 per cent to 45 per cent by year 2030 and the same objective is outlined in National Rail Plan (NRP). For enhancement of the freight output, Railways is investing heavily to put in place required inputs, ranging from increasing the track capacity, replacing the signal aspects, and in that line now, it’s concentrating on improvement of electric supply.

 

The 2x25 KV was first set up on Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) routes and now, Railways is replicating the same on its high density corridors. At Central Railway’s Nagpur Division, the upgradation in traction has been identified for Nagpur-Wardha-Badnera, Amla-Nagpur and Itarsi-Amla plus Sewagram-Ballarshah routes. Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) is overseeing the OHE modifications spanning 504 TKM, 438 TKM, 390 TKM, and 512 TKM of traction kilometres section respectively. While these routes have coal in common, on Ballarshah-Wardha route, the emergence of iron ore means there is a need for higher voltage to ensure that goods trains do not stall in mid-section when extra wagons are added. For the upgradation of traction, new Traction Substations (TSS), Switching Posts (SP) and Sub-Switching Posts (SSP) would need to be erected and process has started in the division.

 

The 2x25 KV system has voltage feed of 50 KV from the substation that drops to 25 KV through automatic transformer (AT) installed with 10 to 15 km spacing along track keeping in mind requirement of OHE and also rolling stock. A pilot project for this system was done in Bina-Katni section of West Central Railway Zone with the help of a Japanese consultant. The advantage of 2x25 KV is that it provides better displacement of voltage regulation, that too, at higher load currents. These days, long haul has become quite a norm and Nagpur Division alone is eyeing to equal Central Railway’s total originating loading of 90 metric tonnes. This means number of long hauls would be run and with addition of weightage, a seamless power supply is core to the uninterrupted running of the goods trains.

 

Right now, the Railways has in place 1x25 KV, means there is one sub-station which will now be doubled thus enhancing the power supply to Overhead Equipment (OHE) ensuring that there is no lag when heavy load is being hauled. The division said the 2x25 KV on all the four routes of division will be in place by year 2027 with installation of Scott-connected traction transformers (60 MVA). Once these transformers are affixed, the OHE will get a 90-degree phase displacement in 2x25 KV secondary windings, enabling balanced and efficient power supply, ensuring optimal power distribution across the network.

 

 

Apart from meeting the needs of haulage of higher loads, another advantage of 2x25 KV will enable running of Mail/Express trains at semi high speed, like 160 km/hr. Within the next three years, as in track and terminal capacity, one is about addition of tracks and second one refers to station handling of trains, Railways will introduce semi high speed trains. The Vande Bharat sleeper rakes are enabled to run at higher speed and thus, 2x25 KV system will ensure that passenger trains do not lag when they run at great speed. Another angle while running at high speed is that of safety and for the same, Railways is rolling out Kavach system. Alongside, the enhanced displacement of power and lesser volatile disruption will ensure trains to accelerate and maintain the speed on continuous basis. Under 1x25, when it comes to enhancement of power supply, tripping occurs and hence 2x25 ensures stable power supply.