PM flags off first diesel-to-electric converted locomotive in Varanasi

VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off on Tuesday the first ever 10,000 HP diesel-to-electric converted locomotive at the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW).

Modi visited Varanasi to gift several projects worth Rs 3,382 crores to his Parliamentary constituency Varanasi ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

After landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport, PM moved to the DLW to flag off the locomotive.

Diesel Locomotive Works has converted two WDG3A diesel locos into a Twin Electric WAGC3 loco of 10,000 HP. A complete 'Make in India' initiative, the conversion is an Indian R&D innovation for the entire world. The converted locos will result in less green house gas emissions and better efficient locomotives for the Indian Railways. The 10,000HP freight locomotive has been converted from two units of old diesel locomotives of 2600HP each with indigenous technology. The feat was achieved in record time with the help of engineers from Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Chittaranjan Locomotive Works(CLW), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL). According to railway authorities, the conversion of diesel locomotive into electric engine not only created a history but also proved to be cost effective.