NEW DELHI, Mar 7: Flagging off high speed WAP-&HS Locomotive here through video-conferencing, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the loco, made under ‘Make in India’, is an epic work of engineers which in turn will surely increase job opportunities in the nation.
He also laid the foundation stone for Nemom Coaching Terminal, Thiruvananthapuram through video link.
Addressing a gathering Mr Goyal said the high speed WAP-7HS locomotive, which is the most powerful passenger locomotive over Indian Railways capable of hauling 24 coaches high speed trains, Mr Goyal said, ”I am delighted that this engine has been designed and manufactured by our own engineers and has been made under ‘Make in India’ initiative.”
”This project was cleared in September 2018. This engine will improve operation of premium trains and also help in reducing pollution. As the weight of the engine has also been reduced, there will be less burden on tracks as well. The engine will also have voice recording facility, like the black-box in aeroplane’s cabin, that will provide vital information if at anytime needed,” he added.
The WAP-7HS Loco, once after clearing trials, will reach a speed potential of 140 km per hr to 160 km per hr. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works turned out new version of WAP-7 locomotive having potential of maximum service speed as 160 km per hr.
”Also, this loco is expected to facilitate operation of premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duranto at higher speed,” an elated Mr Goyal added.
After laying the foundation stone for the new coaching terminal at Nemom, the Minister said, ”It will help in decongesting already existing terminals. There has been a lot of demand from MPs and MLAs for this terminal.”
”Also, Railways is committed to make Nemom and Kerala a better tourist destination,” he added.
”With the commencement of work at Coaching terminal, we will be able to take more mails and express trains to Thiruvanantapuram,” he said, adding that with faster acquisition of land connectivity to Kerala will improve.
Asking the local authorities and people of Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram to help in acquiring 7.18 hectare land for the terminal, the Minister said, ”we will be able to help people of Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala.”
Member Traction Ghanshyam Singh, Member Rolling Stock Rajesh Agrawal and Member Engineering Vishwesh Chaubey were also present at the occasion.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
