Indian Railways to get 9,000 HP locomotive - What it means? What will be its benefit?

The Indian Railways are definitely stepping up their game by upgrading the electric locomotives from a 6,000 HP to 9,000 HP. The initiative comes after Siemens Ltd's indigenous-made 9000 HP propulsion system under the Make in India scheme by the government. The propulsion system will be integrated into the Indian Railways electric locomotive soon.  Siemens will also provide the Indian Railways with high power traction converters, drive systems, motors as well as steel tank transformer, along with the propulsion equipment for 9000 HP passenger and freight locomotives.

The advanced 9000 HP propulsion system will enhance haulage capabilities by 50 per cent thereby increasing the average speed and utilization of rolling stock assets. Siemens Ltd states that the new locomotives will also help in saving traction energy cost which in turn will minimise the fuel expenses as well as carbon emissions. 

Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) pre-commissioned the indigenous 9,000 HP electric locomotive and the trials to which will commence soon. 

Tilak Raj Seth, Executive VP and Head, Mobility, Siemens, said that the initiative is an important milestone when it comes to complete electrification of the Indian Railways. Additionally, the new development will boost up the haulage capability and building high-technology systems, in correspondence to the government's scheme. 

Furthermore, the Indian Railways is also looking forward to the upgrading as the electric locomotives are environment-friendly in comparison to diesel versions.