Indian Railways reaches a new milestone today with the delivery of the nation’s first aluminium goods train rake. This aluminium goods train is unique from all others since it has a greater capacity for hauling freight while being lighter than its predecessors. In Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, it was launched by the state’s railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw. The rake is 180 tonnes lighter than current steel rakes, allowing it to travel the same distance at a higher speed and with less power. The lifetime carbon savings range from 8 to 10 tonnes, but the Indian Railways will save more than 14,500 tonnes of carbon with the start of this train.
In-depth details of the First Indian made aluminium freight rake for Indian Railways introduced as 180 tonnes lighter than steel coaches:
Produced in association with aluminium giant Hindalco and Besco Limited’s waggon division, it also has a less carbon impact for every 100 kg of weight reduction in waggons, according to the railways. According to the national transporter, “The rake is 180 tonnes lighter than traditional steel rakes, resulting in higher speed and lower power consumption for the same distance.
It can transport 180 tonnes more weight each trip than conventional rakes and, because it is resistant to corrosion, will lower maintenance costs, it added. These waggons were built using entirely lock-bolted construction, with no welding done on the superstructure.
According to the railways, new rakes have an 80% higher resale value and a 10-year longer lifespan than standard ones. But because the superstructure is entirely made of aluminium, the manufacturing cost is 35 per cent greater, it claimed.
As these lightweight aluminium waggons represent a significant breakthrough for the Indian Railways, the minister remarked, “This is a proud moment for the country and our efforts for indigenization.” “These carts have a greater carrying capacity, use less energy, are resistant to corrosion, and reduce CO2 emissions by 14,500 tonnes. They are completely recyclable, and even after 30 years, they will still be in excellent condition. We will be able to accomplish our environmental goals thanks to these aluminium waggons, “added said.
In a statement, Hindalco said that the railways intended to use more than 100,000 waggons over the next years. With a switch to aluminium waggons of 15% to 20%, the potential annual CO2 reduction might be in the range of about 25 lakh tonnes. According to it, this makes a significant contribution to the nation’s sustainability objectives.
