Medha train to run on Uran-Seawoods rail line
The Seawood-Uran line will require 15 trains, with 12-coaches for initial services to begin.
Mumbai: The first indigenously built Medha train might run on the Uran-Seawoods line. Manufactured by a Hyderabad-based company, the train could travel on the upcoming Uran-Seawoods line, which is slated to start in 2018. Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives manufactured Medha, which is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) local train. The train is currently undergoing inspections and trials.
If the trial run is successful, the train will be inducted into Western Railways (WR) fleet. The induction of Medha train will open up the possibility of diverting the newer rolling stock on any other suburban line.
In a bid to promote ‘Make in India’ campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu to invest in production of trains, tracks and engines by Indian companies.
A senior official on the condition of anonymity said, “We have sent a letter to the Railway Board in which we have informed them of the three available options. The cheapest and most efficient option is Medha.”
The official added, “The other options are the German-Seimens train and last, but the most expensive option would be the Canandian Bombardier trains.
The official also claimed added, “If the Western Railways trials are completed, and we get all the safety checks done, we will run the Western line.
The procurement procedure will be initiated, so these trains will be delivered by then.”
One of the major advantages of the train will be that Medha, will be the light on the pocket of the already financially overburdened railways. The Seawood-Uran line will require 15 trains, with 12-coaches for initial services to begin.