Indian Transport & Logistics

Suresh Prabhu unveils Mission 41k for Indian Railways

Suresh Prabhu unveils Mission 41k for Indian Railways
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Jan 18, 2017: Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu unveiled Mission 41k during the roundtable discussion with external stakeholders on energy initiatives of Indian Railways. Prabhu said that Ministry of Railways has come up with Mission 41k to save Rs. 41000 crore in the next decade in Railways’ energy costs. He added that along with implementing comprehensive strategy with the participation of various stakeholders, there is a need to take advantage of regulatory frameworks, and look at new technologies.

All electrification works done in the last decade would be doubled and this would change the energy mix of Indian Railways. According to PIB, Indian Railways has set a target of 1000 MW of solar power and 200 MW of wind energy.

Prabhu also informed that around 15 – 16 roundtable conferences with stakeholders are in the pipeline on various initiatives of Indian Railways. He said that a round table discussion is planned on Data Analytics.

Railway Board chairman, AK Mital said that a target of moving 45 per cent of the freight traffic can be achieved only when it can move freight in a cost efficient manner. At present 70 per cent of the traffic runs on electric traction. In next 6 -7 years target has been set to run 90per cent of the traffic on electric traction. By procuring electricity through open access, the cost of electricity procurement comes down drastically which contributes 25 per cent of the working expenses. He also said that Ministry of Railways has launched Mission Raftaar to increase the average speed of movement by 5 kmph every year. Another important Mission for Indian Railways is the establishment of High hp Locomotive manufacturing plants at Madhepura and Marhaura.

Member Traction AK Kapoor said that Railways have about 50 per cent tracks electrified as of now which greatly contributes in keeping the energy bill low and reducing the carbon footprint. Ministry of Railways want to take electrification to 90 per cent in next few years through the Mission Electrification with an aim to reduce dependence on imported fuel, change energy mix, and rationalize the cost of energy for Railways.

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