New brakes in suburban trains will save energy

In a bid to reduce electricity consumption in trains, Railways have decided to incorporate new generation regenerative brakes in new suburban trains, a move that will help in reusing 25 to 30% of the energy spent.

This technology would be incorporated in new EMU rakes that are likely to be operated on the Mumbai suburban section. A project design document has already been prepared in this regard and made public to elicit views of the stakeholders, a senior railway ministry official said.

Regenerative brakes make use of the energy that is lost when a train running on electrified tracks applies brakes and converts it into reusable energy, thus saving on the energy input required to operate.

"In this way, it is capable of regenerating 25 to 30% of the energy used," the official said. Delhi Metro exemplifies the successful use of this technology. Railways also expect creation of employment opportunities with the adoption of this technology, besides the environmental benefit it would bring.

Jobs would open up for semi-skilled and skilled professionals in Indian Railways during implementation, operation and maintenance of regenerative breaking system in the EMUs, he said.