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.

For WR, retrofitting of 20 rakes of 9-car will be done at its Mahalaxmi workshop and work for 38 rakes of CR will be done at the Matunga Workshop.

According to Railway sources, the decision of retrofitting has earned the ire of many officials of Western and Central Railway, who have been protesting the move, saying that the huge amount spent on old rakes, which have completed more than half of their codal life, will be a wastage of time and money. Rs 13.5 crore will be spent on each rake for retrofitting work. Total expenditure on 60 rakes will be Rs 810.10 crore. The cost of a new rake of 9-car, on the other hand, is Rs 30 crore.

According to sources, the electrification work was supposed to be done by Siemens and other fitments, including wiring, cabling and ducting, were to be done by local contract arrangements at Mahalaxmi workshop (WR) and Matunga workshop (CR). For first two rakes, bogies and wheels were to be supplied by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. For the remaining rakes, Railway board has to make procurement through different agencies.

When contacted, Shyam Sunder Gupta, Chief Public Relations Officer of WR said, “After the retrofitment work, commissioning is needed (which includes several things, before coming on track). Now contract of commission is under finalisation. It may be given to Siemens or any other company.”

“It is just a formality. When equipment are supplied by Siemens, then commissioning work will be done by them only,” said a source at Mahalaxmi workshop, adding “It should have been done by now.”

* At present, CR has 39 old 9-car rakes and 65 12-car rakes.

* Total rakes -104.

* WR has a total of 70 old rakes - 41 12-car rakes and 29 9-car rakes