ABB bags Rs. 270-cr order to supply converters to Rlys.

Power technology company ABB has bagged a Rs. 270-crore order from Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, to supply converters for electric locomotives.

The converters are custom designed for the Railways and will be manufactured at one of ABB’s largest factories for locomotive applications in Nelamangala, near Bengaluru.

ABB’s traction solution is based on the latest technology to bring more reliable trains to passengers, while increasing sustainable transport use by moving from diesel trains to electric. This helps rail operators achieve significant operational improvements.

“We are delighted to be contributing to the electrification of India’s rail network with ABB’s locally manufactured solutions,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “By adopting advanced technologies, India is achieving rapid improvements in growth and productivity and shaping its economy for the era of digitisation.”

“We are privileged to work with DLW and the Railways on the electrification of the domestic rail network in India – the fourth largest rail network in the world,” said Sanjeev Sharma, Managing Director, ABB India. “This order will help improve rail efficiency, so that passengers reach their destination on time and in comfort.”

ABB traction equipment drives more than 250 electric locomotives operated by the Indian Railways for both passenger and freight services. In India, more than 20 per cent of three-phase electric locomotives are equipped with traction converters from ABB. Last year, the government approved plans to fully electrify the Railways by 2022.

HBL