WALTAIR-KIRANDUL ELECTRIFICATION RUNS INTO TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

When electrification of the 440-km line, built in the 1960s to tap iron ore deposits, was approved in 1970, it seemed a logical decision. A descent of 1,000 m on a 1.7 percent ruling grade seemed to justify regenerative braking and the projected annual traffic was five times the theoretical breakeven point at which electrification becomes viable. The author explains why electrification has been delayed and discusses technical problems that have yet to be solved. Currents in overhead lines may cause greater induced voltages in communications cables than was earlier thought; power supplies are costly in this remote area and regeneration has had to be abandoned because of a lack of suitable a-c electric locomotives.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03735346
• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Transport Press, Limited

  Dorset House, Stamford Street
  London SE1 9LU,   England 
• Authors:
  • Mukherjee, P K
• Publication Date: 1978-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 30-33
• Serial:
  • Railway Gazette International
  • Volume: 134
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: DVV Media Group
  • ISSN: 0373-5346
  • Serial URL: http://www.railwaygazette.com/about-us.html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric locomotives; Electric power supply; Inductive interference; Locomotives; Railroad electrification; Regenerative braking; Telecommunications; Track circuits; Unit trains; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: Indian Railways
• Old TRIS Terms: Locomotive design
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172022
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Railway Gazette International
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 1978 12:00AM