Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first ever 10,000 HP electric locomotive converted from diesel loco at the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) on Tuesday. After landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport, PM moved to the DLW to flag off the locomotive.Later, while addressing the public meeting at Aidhey village, PM appreciated the feat of DLW engineers and technicians. It is the first of its kind conversion of diesel locomotoves into electric not only in India but the world, said the PM.The DLW converted two WDG3A diesel locos into a twin electric loco of 10,000 HP. A complete Make in India initiative, the conversion is an Indian R&D innovation for the entire world. The converted locos will result in less Green House Gas emissions and better efficient locomotives for the Indian Railways.The 10,000HP freight locomotive has been converted from two units of old diesel locomotives of 2600HP each with indigenous technology. The feat was achieved with the help of engineers from Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Chiitaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).According to railway authorities, the conversion of diesel locomotive into electric engine not only created a history but also proved to be cost effective, as it required half of the rehabilitation cost of old locos. Besides, it would be environment-friendly with enhanced traction power to double the average speed of goods train.

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