Vijayawada Division adopts HOG System in 2 pairs of train. This is resulting in saving of approximate Rs. 4.02 Crores

Vijayawada Division has adopted the latest Head On Generation technology for its train operations, resulting in considerable savings of Rs. 4.02 Crore per annum. The HOG (Head On Generation) concept is the latest technology in use by Indian Railways for medium and high speed train operation in which power supply for coaches and power for traction are drawn from overhead power supply system.

In the year 2017, a decision by Indian Railways has been taken for complete switch over to LHB technology. After this decision, adoption of HOG conversion has been taken up on mission mode to complete this work in time bound manner. The work involved modification in electrical system of power cars and coaches: All new coaches from Production Units are to be HOG compliant. The conversion work has been allotted to Zonal Railways and with the dedicated efforts of field officers; this will provide noise free and pollution environment for passenger at station.

On Vijayawada Division, the way ACs run and power supply is done in railway coaches is transforming too. Till date 2 rakes for Gudur – Vijayawada Intercity Superfast Express and Vijayawada – Lingampalli Superfast Express have already been converted into HOG. This is resulting in saving of approximate Rs.4.02 Crores per annum. One more rake is under conversion into HOG resulting in more savings.

For HOG, IR is mainly looking for its application on existing fleet of locomotive and interconnected rakes where EOG (End On Generation) is functional. In the new technology called - Head on Generation technology, the power will be drawn from the Overhead Electric supply. The power generator cars which used to make huge noise and emit fumes will no more be there. In place of two such generator cars there will be one standby silent generator car to be used for emergency. In place of the other car, there will be LSLRD (LHB Second Luggage, Guard & Divyaang Compartment). This LSLRD will also have capability to convert power from the overhead supply to be utilized in the entire train while providing space for luggage guard room and additional passengers. Currently, the cost of power is over Rs. 36 per unit and with HOG it is available at Rs. 6 Per unit.

Advantages of HOG over EOG

Reduces the operational cost per trip and increase the revenue
Reduces Air pollution and Noise pollution
It can help Indian Railways achieve carbon credits which can be traded in the international markets.
Low maintenance requirement and reduces the dead weight as compared to Self Generating Coaches and EOG coaches.

Shri. P. Srinivas, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada appreciated Shri. V. Venkata Ramana, Sr. DEE/ Maintenance and team for their dedicated and sincere efforts in adopting the new technology and also opined that the HOG system would be a game changer for Vijayawada Division in meeting electrical power requirement in coaches, which would result in achieving cost, operating and energy efficiency and advantageous in operation.