Hitachi Energy India has won orders valued at over Rs.160 crore from Indian Railways for supply of traction transformers.
A release by Hitachi Energy India Ltd said that the orders, placed during the October-December 2021 period, came from Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (DMW) – both electric locomotive manufacturers and part of the Indian Railways.
These traction transformers will support the government of India’s vision of 100 per cent electrification of broad-gauge network by 2023, Hitachi Energy said.
Commenting on the association of Hitachi Energy and the Indian Railways, N Venu, Managing Director & CEO, Hitachi Energy India Ltd, noted, “Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system and at Hitachi Energy we are committed to the accelerated electrification and decarbonization of the world’s transportation and rail sectors. Indian Railways is a longstanding customer of Hitachi Energy and these orders are further evidence that Hitachi Energy is regarded as a trusted partner of choice for the rail industry. A clean and reliable electric rail network is fundamental for India to build back better, supporting the movement of people and goods whilst reducing the environmental impact.”
The electrification of rail is a key element of India’s drive towards net zero carbon emissions. At the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), India reaffirmed its commitment to shifting to electricity for transport and reducing the economy’s carbon intensity by 45 percent by 2030. Indian Railways’ effort to electrify all routes by 2023 is an important aspect to achieve these targets, the release noted.
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Traction transformers are critical components in the traction chain that affect both train performance and operator services. More than half the world’s electric locomotives and train sets are powered by Hitachi Energy transformers. The pioneering technology leader has an estimated global installed base of over 30,000 units of these transformers enabling essential train functions such as traction, lighting, ventilation, braking, signaling and communication.
Featured photograph shows the traction transformer manufacturing unit of Hitachi Energy India, located at Maneja in Gujarat.