A train being retrofitted and converted from D/C to A/C-D/C dual capacity was supposed to come on tracks in October last year, but even till date, there have been no indications that it has become fully operational. The onus for this delay lies on Siemens — the company entrusted with electrification work — as the company has not yet inspected, checked and commissioned the rake, which is a mandatory procedure to be followed before the train begins operation.

This train is one of sixty existing trains, around 10 to 15-year-old, which are being retrofitted to enable them to adapt to both AC and DC power supplies. However, these retrofitted trains are yet to roll out as Siemens is busy solving problems faced by the new rakes. While Siemens is concentrating on changing the traction motors on the new rakes, the commissioning of the old rakes is being ignored, and hence, delayed.

As per the Railway board’s directions, Western and Central Railways have to convert 42 existing DC 9-car rakes into AC-DC dual capability in two years. Once this is done, there is more work for CR as additional 18 rakes of 9-car are waiting to be retrofitted for AC-DC dual capabilities.

According to Mahalaxmi workshop sources, the first rake is almost ready ¿ its mechanism has been completed, but the commissioning depends on Siemens. As per a letter from Railway board members (electrical) dated June 25, 2008, addressed to General Managers of both Western and Central Railways, in 2008-09, each railway will retrofit nine 9-car rakes. In 2009-10, each railway will retrofit 12 nine-car rakes, following which CR will get the work of retrofitting done for 18 rakes by outsourcing the work.

... contd.