New Delhi, Dec 3: Surpassing its own record, Banaras Locomotive Works at Varanasi has accomplished manufacturing of 40 locomotives in November setting an all time high record for manufacture of 6000 HP electric locomotives in a month, a new Atma Nirbhar achievement.
The historic record, achieved on the auspicious day of Dev Deepawali.
Earlier the railway production unit had created a record of manufacturing 31 electric locomotives in a month in July 2020.
Vinod Kumar Yadav, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board flagged off 40th electric loco from the BLW through video conferencing.
Appreciating the sincere efforts of staff of BLW in achieving this milestone despite COVID challenges, Yadav said the capacity to perform in adverse situations is the hallmark of Railway employees.
This is despite the COVID 19 lock down in April and May 2020, when production was nil in April and 8 locomotives were turned out in May 2020. BLW has matched the production of electric locomotives last year till November. It has manufactured 169 electric locomotives up till November 20, against 168 to end November 2019.
The CEO further added that Indian Railways is undergoing transformation. “There has been improvement in technology in locos. We need to step ahead and aim for 9000 HP loco.”
Congratulating officers and staff on this accomplishment, Yadav announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 lakh for encouraging the staff of BLW on this record production.
According to railways, this boost in manufacturing is a big contribution to AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
Despite COVID challenges, BLW has completely realigned its infrastructure to switch over from making diesel locomotives to electric locomotives. The staff and officers have risen to the challenge of re-skilling and reorganizing the shop floors, machines, jigs and fixtures and planning process for transition to electric locos.
The shift of the production line from Diesel to Electric Locomotives, at BLW, is in line with the Ministry of Railways’ multi-pronged strategy of lowering the fuel bill, reducing carbon footprint, reducing dependence on import of fuel and enhancing average speed and hauling capacity of trains.
In the flag off ceremony, Shri Rajesh Tiwari, Member Traction and Rolling Stock, Railway Board and senior railway officials were connected through video conferencing.
Electric locomotive production is sourced from 98% indigenous components – substantial share is procured from Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs)
BLW is also working on a prestigious export order of 3000 HP cape gauge diesel locomotives to Mozambique. This has been put on a fast track. Under this order, for the first time 12 Cylinder Crankcase is being manufactured in BLW.