Trivandrum: The Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway marked a historic milestone in Indian Railways by celebrating the centenary of electric traction. This momentous occasion honoured 100 years of electric train operations in India and their significant role in shaping the nation’s railway infrastructure.
According to a press release, a series of events, including a seminar, a quiz competition, and an exhibition of electrical overhead equipment, were organized at Thiruvananthapuram to commemorate this achievement. The celebrations aimed to highlight the evolution, advancements, and future prospects of electric traction in Indian Railways.
Electric traction, the use of electric power to propel railway locomotives, was first introduced on February 3, 1925, with the launch of the first electric train between Bombay VT (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai) and Kurla. This revolutionary technology paved the way for cleaner, faster, and more energy-efficient railway transport, significantly reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.
As part of the centenary celebrations, a seminar on electric traction was organised by the Electrical Department, Thiruvananthapuram Division. The seminar covered four key topics – Evolution & Future of Electric Traction in Indian Railways, Advantages of Electric Traction over Other Modes of Transportation, Adherence to Safety Protocols in Electrified Railway Territories and Head-on Generation: Latest Advancements in Train Lighting.
The seminar was inaugurated by Dr Manish Taplyal, Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram Division, in the presence of branch officers, railway staff, and students from various technical institutions in Trivandrum. G V Mallikarjuna Rao, Chief Electrical Distribution Engineer, Southern Railway, delivered a special address, emphasizing the significance of electric traction in modern railway operations.
A quiz competition was also conducted, focusing on the global evolution of the railway system, the Indian railway landscape, and electric traction advancements. The winners were awarded cash prizes and mementoes in recognition of their knowledge and enthusiasm.
The celebrations provided a valuable platform for engineering students and railway personnel to gain firsthand insights into the electric traction system, reinforcing its pivotal role in the future of Indian Railways.