Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi, has surpassed it’s own record of manufacturing 31 electric locomotives in a month, achieved in July 2020 with the turnout of the 40th 6,000 HP electric locomotive for the month of November 2020. This event is a historic record, achieved on the auspicious day of Dev Deepawali.
- Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board flagged off 40th 6,000 HP Electric Loco from Banaras Loco Works (BLW), Varanasi via video conferencing.
- In the flag off ceremony, Shri Rajesh Tiwari, Member Traction and Rolling Stock, Railway Board and senior railway officials were connected via video conferencing.
- Speaking on this occasion, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav appreciated the sincere efforts of staff of BLW in achieving this milestone despite COVID Challenges.
- The capacity to perform in adverse situation is the hallmark of Railway employee.
- 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.
- He further added that Indian Railways is undergoing transformation.
- General Manager, BLW has been instrumental in bringing transformation.
- There has been improvement in technology in locos. We need to step ahead and aim for 9000 HP loco.
- Shri Yadav announced a cash award of Rs.1.5 lakh for encouraging the staff of BLW on this record production.
- 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.
- Electric locomotive production is sourced from 98% indigenous components – substantial share is procured from Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs).
Export:
- 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.
Source: PIB-Press Release | Image Credit: BLW, Varanasi
