North Western Railway (NWR) has achieved
electrification of 5,145 route km (rkm) of its networks till June 2024 with the
electrification of Sarupsar-Anupgarh (51 km) route. This is around 93 per cent of the total broad-gauge network of the
zone.
During 2023-24, NWR has achieved total
electrification of 1,127 rkm.
Presently, work is under progress in the sections
of Jaisalmer-Ashapur Gomat (106 km), Dausa-Gangapur city (93 km),
Phulera-Makrana (65 km), Thayat Hamira-Sonu (56 km) and Bicchiwada-Jagbor (13
km).
CoPilot says
Certainly! Track electrification refers
to the method of supplying electric power to rail transport systems. Here are
some key points about track electrification:
1.
DC Electrification System:
o In the direct current (DC) system, electric trains
use DC series motors for propulsion.
o Advantages of DC series motors include high
starting torque, self-speed regulation, low maintenance cost, and efficient
acceleration.
o Substations, located at intervals (3 to 5 km for
urban/suburban railways, 15 to 30 km for main lines), provide DC power to the
motors.
o Urban services typically use 600 V DC to 750 V DC,
while main lines use 1500 V DC to 3000 V DC.
o Substations consist of transformers and mercury arc
rectifiers or rotary converters.
o The return path for the current is
provided through the rails1.
2.
Advantages of DC Electrification:
o DC trains consume less electrical energy.
o The system does not interfere with overhead
communication lines.
o DC series motors are suitable for frequent and
rapid acceleration of heavy trains.
o Conductor rails are cost-effective
for distribution1.
3.
Disadvantages of DC Electrification:
o High cost of substations.
o Substations must be located at shorter distances to
reduce copper losses and voltage drops.
o Provision of negative boosters is
necessary1.
4.
Applications:
o DC
electrification is more suitable for shorter distances and services with
frequent stops1.
For more detailed information, you can refer to
the Wikipedia article on railway
electrification.