CR opts for LED lights to cut costs

Mumbai: In a bid to promote green energy and reduce carbon footprint, the Central Railways (CR) has converted all conventional light fittings to LED lights at all 432 stations, including all service buildings, administrative offices, hospitals, workshops, maintenance depots and schools. The conversion has rendered the energy saving of close to 142.36 lakh units annually worth Rs 13.10 crore, according to CR's General Manager DK Sharma.

The Western Railways (WR) has also converted all conventional light fittings to LED lightings at all 726 stations due to which an annual saving of 7 million units and Rs 5 crore is expected. In addition to this, the WR had installed natural sunlight tubes at Mumbai Central station concourse. general manager of WR A.K. Gupta said, “We are modifying all LHB rakes to work on HOG (head on generation) system to save energy.”

Mr. Sharma informed the CR that it has achieved a record freight loading of 61.36 million tonnes during 2017-18 and also achieved a record of highest-ever disposal of scrap material during the year 2017-18 realising Rs 252 crore.  On infrastructure and safety he said that the CR eliminated 61manned level-crossing (LC) gates in 2017-18 and seven in the current year.

Twenty five FOBs have been commissioned in 2017-18 and four in 2018-19 so far. Thakurli ROB in lieu of level-crossing gate has been commissioned and has provided great relief for smooth train operations in Mumbai suburban section.