Mumbai: Speeding local trains to now power Western Railway

Mumbai's lifeline has embarked on an impressive endeavour as Western Railway implements a unique method to generate power from speeding local trains. According to a senior official, "In a unique method, the speed and velocity of passing trains will power these turbines. It is being commissioned now at Khar Road and Naigaon stations."

The official added, "The system is able to deliver a 2kVA output." The railways has strategically installed wind turbines along the tracks, utilising the gusts of wind generated by the trains to rotate the blades and convert wind energy into electricity.

"Trains generally run at a speed of 50 km/hr to 100 km/hr with a lot of wind energy being generated. Now, electricity will be generated by installing wind turbines along railway tracks, so that the gust of wind generated by running trains can be used to rotate the blades of the proposed wind turbine," he official further explained.

The railways has used vertical axis wind turbines in this initiative, which has a capacity of 400 watts each. Each of the five turbines is complemented by a 2-kilowatt solar power panel. Together, they can provide a remarkable 2kW output.

Wind turbines installed at Khar station. The gust of wind generated by running trains will rotate the blades of the turbines

Western Railway's chief public relations officer Sumit Thakur confirmed the development and emphasised the significance of this green energy initiative. He stated, "With an aim on energy conservation and environmental preservation, Western Railway is adopting several initiatives that help in curbing pollution as well as reduce carbon emissions and has been working in a mission mode."

Also Read: Medico, civil servant and train operations expert takes over as Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer

In addition to the wind power project, the railways has also undertaken other environmentally friendly initiatives. The official explained, "Another such initiative is the installation of solar plants at railway stations and at office buildings. Till November 2022, solar plants of 6,635-kWp capacity have been installed at 97 railway stations over WR while solar plants of 3,920.48-kW capacity have been installed at over 46 railway office buildings."

Breastfeeding pods at stations

Meanwhile, Central Railway has introduced a thoughtful project to support breastfeeding women during their journeys. An official shared, "Creating a safe and comfortable zone for breastfeeding women during their journey, Central Railway has launched a project of installing 13 pods at city stations." The breastfeeding pods, installed at stations including CSMT, Dadar (3), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (3), Thane (2), Kalyan, Panvel, and Lonavala (2), provide a hygienic, private and free space for mothers to feed their babies. Additionally, these pods include diaper-changing stations to cater to the needs of traveling families.