In a new environmentally-friendly initiative, Indian Railway has cut down on its fuel bills by introducing HOG (Head-on-Generation) technology on trains. On South Western Railway (SWR) HOG technology has been introduced so far in 10 pairs of trains on its network having LHB coaches and hauled by electric traction.
The HOG technology is being implemented in trains running with LHB coaches and caters to the power needs of coaches such as air-conditioning and lighting. Earlier two power cars known as end on generators (EOG) were attached to the trains to generate poser for providing air conditioning lighting in coaches. These power cars emit fumes and noise pollution was upto 105 decibel. These power cars are being replaced with the new HOG technology on LHB coaches.
The new HOG system works by distributing the power to trailing coaches by tapping the overhead power lines. The HOG technology does not require any diesel oil consumption, hence reducing air and noise pollution. The technology will also provide uninterrupted illumination in the coaches. In place of power coaches additional coaches will be augmented were additional berths will be available for passengers every day.
With the introduction of HOG technology in the first phase of conversion SWR is saving on diesel fuel for the 10 pairs of trains introduced. Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, GM SWR zone has informed that the average savings of fuel per trip, per train is Rs.3.5 lakhs and annual savings for the 10 pairs of trains works out to Rs.88.4 Cr.
In the first phase, 10 pairs of trains have been converted into HOG technology having LHB coaches and running end-to-end with electric traction facility. The list of trains which have been converted to HOG technology on SWR are as follows:
1. Train No.22691/92 KSR Bengaluru – Hazrat Nizamuddin – KSR Bengaluru Rajdhani Express
2. Train No.12295/96 KSR Bengaluru – Danapur – KSR Bengaluru Sanghamitra Express
3. Train No.16526/25 KSR Bengaluru – Kanniyakumari – KSR Bengaluru Island Express
4. Train No.12028/27 KSR Bengaluru – MGR Chennai Central–KSR Bengaluru Shatabdi Express
5. Train No.12608/07 KSR Bengaluru – MGR Chennai Central–KSR Bengaluru Lalbagh Express
6. Train No.12609/10 MGR Chennai Central – Mysuru – MGR Chennai Central Express
7. Train No.16593/94 KSR Bengaluru – Nanded – KSR Bengaluru Express
8. Train No.12213/14 KSR Bengaluru – Delhi Sarai Rohilla – KSR Bengaluru AC Duronto Express
9. Train No.22677/78 Yesvantpur – Kochuveli – Yesvantpur Superfast Express
Train No.12253/54 Yesvantpur – Bhagalpur – Yesvantpur Anga Express
