DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE WORKS: Striding towards a better future

The first diesel electric locomotive (WDM2, no. 18233) rolledout of Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) on 3rd January,1964. Since then DLW has acquired domain knowledge andexpertise in developing new designs not only to suit thetransport needs of Indian Railways, but also of Non-RailwayCustomers (NRCs) in India and abroad. Since inception,DLW has produced total 8099 locomotives (up to 31stJanuary, 2018) of various types. DLW now manufactures“More than one locomotive a day”. DLW manufactured 334 diesel-electriclocomotives in last financial year 2016-17, which is the highest ever locoproduction by any loco manufacturing unit in India and bagged the “BestProduction Unit Shield” for the second successive year.

From a modest beginning starting from 2600 HP locomotives, DLW steadilymoved towards manufacturing High Horse Power (HHP), 4500 HPlocomotives since March, 2002. DLW has in recent years ramped up theproduction of HHP locomotives which can be gauged from the fact that thefirst 1000 HHP locomotive took 11 years, while the manufacture of next 1000locomotives took only 3½ years. So far (upto 31.01.2018) DLW hasmanufactured 2323 HHP locomotives. This demonstrates the versatility ofthe production capability and commitments at DLW.

As per directive of Railway Board, DLW has recently started manufacturingelectric locomotive and turned out 02 electric locomotives in FY 2016-17 and20 locos this year up to Jan’2018. Encouraged by response of DLW andtheir ability to grasp the expertise in assimilating new technology, DLW has

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Ten Years’ Production Performance

been entrusted with achieving manufacturing target of 25 ElectricLocomotives in 2017-18 and 173 Electric Locomotives in 2018-19. It makesDLW a unique Production Unit manufacturing both Diesel and Electriclocomotives under one roof.

DLW has not only succeeded in scaling up the production to greater heights,but has also been successful in reducing the unit cost of locomotive. Thishas been achieved with a concerted effort towards indigenisation (Make inIndia) and multisourcing. Manufacturing cost of HHP diesel locos has beenreduced from ₹14.1 cr in 2013-14 to ₹11.9 Cr in Jan 2018.

With a view to give fillip to “Make in India” initiative, the Expansion Project toimprove infrastructure of DLW got underway, in which the foundation stonewas laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. Phase-I of this project has nowbecome functional and was dedicated to the nation by Shri Narendra Modi,Hon’ble Prime Minister on 24 October’ 2016. Phase-II of this project wascompleted in Sept’ 2017.

DLW has been supplying its locomotives to Non-Railway Customers (NRCs)in India and abroad as well. With its proven track record and quality of itsproduct and through increased productivity and better manufacturingpractices, DLW has become a meaningful player in the domestic andinternational markets. DLW has supplied 725 locomotives to variouscustomers including 155 locomotives exported to various countries. Thisyear, DLW has exported 18 locomotives to Myanmar. In FY 2017-18, so far29 locos have been dispatched to Non Railway Customers earning ₹260 Cragainst 13 locos dispatched last year earning ₹138 Cr in correspondingperiod of 2016-17. DLW has set the target of earning of ₹ 368 Cr by selling36 diesel locomotives and spares to NRC for FY 2017-18. DLW has recentlyentered into MoU with RITES for design and supply of 3000 HP, Meter/CapeGauge, AC-AC locos for export to SriLanka.

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Technical Training:

DLW has a full-fledged Technical Training Centre (TTC) which has beenengaged in skill development of DLW’s human resource since 1959. Itimparts training to the newly recruited staff and Act Apprentices, organizesrefresher courses for staff and supervisors and gives vocational training toundergraduate engineering and management students.

Technical Training Center has been developed as “Centre of Excellence forskill development”. Under ‘Kaushal Vikas’ programme “Skill Developmentinitiatives” envisioned by our Hon’ble PM, a total of 471 local youths havebeen trained free of cost in various trades and certificates have beenawarded.

Indian Railway Welding Research Institute (IRWRI) which is also the nodaland coordinating organization for all other Regional Welding Traininginstitutes has been functioning under its auspices.

Installation and Commissioning of 25 KV OHE in DLW:

In order to manufacture electric locomotives, 25 KV OHE was a requirement.The work of electrification of 25 KV has been completed at DLW siding.Successful HT testing of the first Electric Locomotive was conducted on 27,December 2017. This also resulted in discontinuation of sending ElectricLocomotives to the Mughalsarai shed for testing and saving of delays.

It is worth mentioning that the target for WAP7 at DLW is 25 ElectricLocomotives in the financial year 2017-18, which has been increased by theRailway Board to 173 Electric Locomotives for 2018-19. Commissioning ofpower supply of 25 KVin DLW is an important milestone towards achievingthis target.

Safety & Health of Staff:

Safety of staff at DLW has been accorded the highest priority. As per normsof State Factory Act, there are four Safety Officers in the safety organizationunder Plant Division of the unit. The safety organization apart from doingroutine inspections also undertake training in firefighting and first aid.Regular mock drills are organized for emergency preparedness. Safetyseminars and safety awareness camps highlight the importance of safety at

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workplace. Observation of physical condition of work is regularly done toensure whether work practices as per procedure are followed by workersand for removing unsafe practices. So far 35 unsafe conditions have beenremoved in current year. These safety measures are also audited byexternal agency as DLW is accredited with OHSAS 18001-2007 certificationfor occupational health and safety. Safety department has compiled a Safetyschedule of PPEs requirement for each activity as per related safety hazardsand their requirement per year for each staff and regularly monitorsavailability and quality of 37 PPE items to ensure safety. Presently no PPEitems are in crisis.

Safety officers conduct routine staff individual counseling on the shop floorand classroom to improve safety awareness amongst staff which has shownimprovement in staff PPE utilization which has resulted in reduced accidentsand staff injuries as indicated below. Regular trainings are also beingimparted to the contract labours working in DLW.

There is well equipped Central Hospital, located in the DLW colony. It is 105bedded hospital having ICCU, General male ward, female ward, postoperative ward, maternity & children ward. It has a number of cabins for thepatients. It has the facilities of pathological test, radiological testphysiotherapy unit, cold room for safety of vaccine and sera, laundryservices for the cleanliness of linens for the admitted patients & 24 hoursmedical emergency services. Available facilities of medical services aregeneral medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Gynecology,pediatrics, ENT, Dental & ophthalmology to extend required medicalattention to the railwaymen & their family. A Homeopathic and an Ayurvedicdispensary have also been provided. To facilitate DLW employees, onlinefeature has been added to the hospital management information system(HMIS). This enables online doctor appointment/registration, online reporting

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of lab investigation, online position of running token no. of individual doctor,either through website or through the app which can be downloaded fromAndroid application Google play Store. This saves time and energy of thestaff by avoiding frequent visit to hospital.

Environment Improvement:

As a harbinger for environmental protection, way back in late 1980s, DLWtook the lead in the “Clean Ganga” campaign and installed two treatmentplants viz. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for treatment of dischargedhuman waste and Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant (IETP) for treatingcontaminated & mixed Petroleum oil and Lubricants (POL). The plants,besides ensuring that Ganga remains clean, also contribute to significantrecycling of resources. At IETP, around 2300 litres of oil and grease isseparated and sold off, whereas in STP 3.5 million litres of water isbeing recycled every day. The treated water is released for agricultural andgardening purposes. DLW takes pride in the fact that none of sewage,whether treated or untreated, is discharged into Holy River Ganga. Thedigested bio-manure as sludge dried is used as fertilizer for horticulturalpurposes. The average water consumption in DLW is about 12.2 million litresper day. Recognising water as precious resource, treated water from STP isused for irrigation of lawns, sports grounds, green patches and filling ofwater bodies as Surya-Sarovar and other ponds existing at DLW, which hasresulted in 17 % saving in water consumption compared, to previous year.

In order to meet environmental obligation, DLW accredited itself with ISO14001 certification for its Environmental Management Systems. In line withthis, certification targets have been framed, which are at par with globalnorms for water, air, exhaust-emission, work place environment, hazardouswaste, etc. DLW has also obtained certification of ISO 50001: 2011, forEnergy Management, GreenCo Silver Rating under the GreenCo GreenCompany Rating System, ISO 3834-2:2005 for Fusion Welding of MetallicMaterials and NABL Accreditation for laboratory.

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Stepping towards energy conservation and to tap the benefits of non-conventional energy resources, 136 solar lights are fitted in the workshopand colony as well as 40 solar water heaters have been installed in hospitaland officers’ guest house. As a fillip to energy conservation, 7600 energyefficient LED lights have been fitted at DLW. 1.86 MWp Roof mounted GridConnected Solar power have been commissioned at DLW so far and afurther capacity of 2 MWp solar power plants are planned to becommissioned. These steps towards energy conservation has resulted inreduction in electrical energy consumption by 5% in this year (up to Jan’18)over corresponding period of FY 16-17.

Solar equipments at DLW premises

Presently, DLW township area has more than one lakh small & big trees.Every year thousands of trees are planted religiously. DLW boasts of agreen area of 40% of its total area. The moment one enters DLW, a drop intemperature of 3-4 degree Celsius from the outside area is palpable.

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Clean and green DLW premises

We, at DLW, understand and appreciated that environment is a priceless giftof nature. To protect our environment and to maintain the ecologicalbalance, we must bestow our immediate attention to it. The strategy adoptedby DLW is not only to maintain emission norms within its premises but alsoequip its locomotives with fuel efficient technology. Introduction of AuxiliaryPower Units (APUs) in the locomotives reduce the emissions by reducing theengine running when not required.

Technology Improvement:

Since its inception, DLW has gradually shifted its focus from “SystemsIntegration” to “Systems Engineering” and has been making constant effortsfor acquiring domain knowledge about “Know why” rather than “Know how”.The knowledge, expertise and skill set acquired by DLW engineers over aperiod of time has enabled DLW to upgrade HHP locomotive technology ona continuous basis. Locomotive technology upgrades implemented by DLWwith the objective of improving energy efficiency, operational safety and crewcomfort include dual cab architecture, Loco Cab Video & Voice RecordingSystem (LCVR), ACES (Auto Control of Engine Stop) with APU (AuxiliaryPower Unit), DPCS (Distributed Power Control System) feature, AirConditioned locomotive driving Cabs, Integrated Driver Display system andwater-closet onboard with motor driven oil free air compressors.

Current Projects:

DLW is working on induction of new traction technologieswhich would improve energy efficiency and would be environment friendly.These include conversion of Alco Diesel loco (WDG3A) to Electric loco, 3

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Phase Electric loco (WAP7) Production, Dual Mode locomotives, 3000 HPAC-AC loco for Sri Lanka, development of hydrogen based Fuel Cell Hybridlocomotives.

Crew comfort and ergonomics is another focus area where DLW has put inefforts to improve the working environment. Provision of intermediatevacuum type toilet module with on-board bio-digester (sewage treatmentsystem) for crew and improved acoustic insulation treatment of crew cabinsto reduce noise levels are steps taken in this direction.

The new technologies under development at DLW in the high horsepower(HHP) and new generation locomotive designs are summarized below:

i) WDG3A Conversion to twin Co-Co electric locoIndian railways have embarked upon large scale electrification. Due tothis some Diesel locos will become surplus. In order to reuse costly asseti.e. Diesel loco, Railway Board has instructed to convert WDG3ALocomotive into Electric Locomotive. Converted loco will work as a twinloco consist (9600 HP). Each converted loco will have 01 Panto and willbe equipped with dynamic braking.

In view of maximum utilization of equipments used in old loco WAM4/WAG7 electrics have been used on WDG3A platform with necessarymodifications.

There are two critical elements of this project, one being mechanicalredesigning and modifications to chassis and other being completeelectrical system layout & harness. DLW has been given theresponsibility to carry out all assembly work including piping of pneumaticand roll out first proto type by 28.02.18 and second proto type by15.03.18.

DLW has taken up the conversion project as challenge and is headingtowards rollout of the first prototype as per schedule within 60 days afterconceptualization. Following major activities have been undertaken inthis project:

Equipment layout of conversion loco finalized with the use of Electricalequipments of WAG7 (14 items) & WAM4 (27 items) on the underframeof WDG3A.

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3D modeling and weight balancing of underframe of conversion locodone on UG CAD at DLW.

Brake panel (IRAB-1) of WDG3A retained in conversion loco butremodeling of complete pneumatic piping carried out.

End wall fabricated new with the provision of vestibule. Resizing of Side walls of the old WAM4 loco done for use on the

conversion loco. Cable harness in AC-2 panel and laying of power cables for all electrical

equipments viz transformer, TM, SL etc done afresh. Modification in the Roofs of old WAM4 done according to the location of

transformer.

Major modifications / strengthening in the underframe of WDG3A carriedout to make it monocoque design and to accommodate transformer unit,smoothing reactor, BA-1, 2 panels, rectifiers etc. 120 nos. of plates ofvarious sizes upto 40 mm thickness, weighing approx. 10.6 Tons havebeen added in the existing underframe of WDG3A.

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Modification in Cab of WDG3A carried out to provide additional side door(1 no), machine room doors (2 nos) and to accommodate AC-2 panel.

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Salient Features:

Description ParametersFormation Twin LocoWeight (Ton) 123 x 2Axle Load 20.5 TGear Ratio 18:74Horse Power (HP) 4800 x 2 = 9600Max. Speed 115 KMPHTransformer 5400 KVA x 2Traction Motor Type 4907 BZ,800 HP, 750V,900AStarting Tractive Effort 43 T x 2Continuous Tractive Effort 26.4 T x 2

ii) WAP7 Production

WAP-7 is a Broad gauge locomotive developed by Chittaranjan LocomotiveWorks by modifying the gear ratio, Brake rigging & Loco software of WAG9

class locomotive and provision of Hotel load facility. It is capable of haulingtrains at speeds upto140 kmph and now largely used by Zonal Railways. Allthe locomotives are fitted with AAR tightlock couplers and chain linkcouplers.

Diesel locomotive works (DLW) / Varanasi started manufacturing WAP-7class locomotives. First DLW built locomotive was WAP7#30509 “VARUN”.

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Total 02 locos manufactured in FY 2016-17 and 20 Locos manufactured upto Jan.’18. Total 25 Locos are planned to be manufactured in FY 2017-18.Planning for 2018-19 is 173 Locos.

Previously Electric locos were tested at MGS shed but now OHE has beencommissioned at DLW and first Electric Loco no. 30622 fully tested atDLW, turned out on 12.01.18.

iii)Dual Mode Locomotive:

Dual mode locomotives, as the name suggests, have the capability to workin electrified as well as non-electrified territories. DLW is working ondevelopment of Dual Mode locomotive which will be capable to work onboth electrified and non-electrified section. With the development of thisloco, reduction in detention at traction change points will be achieved. Asper RSP allotment by Railway Board, DLW is to manufacture 05 suchlocos.

Conceptual Design-DUAL MODE LOCOMOTIVE

Salient Features: 4500 HP 16 cylinder 710 G3B engine for Diesel Mode

4500 HP traction power drawn from OHE for Electric Mode

The axle load of the locomotive will be 21 ton.

It will be fit for passenger operation for the IR territory and will becapable to work trains up to the speed of 130 Kmph.

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Fuel tank capacity 3000 ltrs.

Long hood and Cabs are to be of SS as specified in RDSOspecification.

Current status: PO for procurement of electrics (integration kit) is placed on M/s

Medha Servo Drives /Hyderabad for 5 sets.

DLW has completed the work of 3D modelling of the components,under the scope of supply of DLW, like Under-frame, Cabs, Long hood,and fuel tank. 3D modelling of Piping etc have also been completed.

Under frame modelling will be finalised after submission of FEAresults by MEDHA and its validation by RDSO.

1st Dual Mode loco is likely to be turned out by Aug’2018.

iv) Reduction in level of noise emission:

There was a need to reduce the noise levels of diesel locomotives tobring it at par with the international standards. DLW initiated action forbringing down the noise levels of High Horse Power diesel electriclocomotives being manufactured at DLW.

Consultancy contract was awarded to M/s CMTI/Bangalore, aGovernment Lab for measurement of sound pressure levels. The firmcarried out detailed study of HHP loco and created several matrices forsound pressure level measurement. The existing noise levels in both thecabs of HHP locomotives were measured to be 88 dB(A) and 96 dB(A) infront and rear driver cabins respectively.

As per international standard [FRA (USA) regulations 49 CFR Pt. 229)],permissible exposure limit for noise in diesel locomotive cabs is 85dB(A).

DLW has fitted acoustic insulations in 6 locomotives so far. The Soundpressure levels achieved is in the range of 85 d(B)A to 87 d(B)A againstinternational standard of 85 d(B)A. Zonal Railways have givenfeedback of significant reduction in the noise levels in loco cabs ofthese locomotives.

Further RDSO has awarded a consultancy contract to IIT/KGP for Noisesource identification and control in HHP Locomotives. IIT/KGP has preparedAcoustic Insulation scheme and fitted in one loco cab for prove out. Pre-fitment work has been completed by IIT/KGP at DLW on 16.12.2017. Thecabs are under fitment by Production in P4D type loco. After fitment and

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readiness of Loco at DLW, IIT/KGP will carry out Sound Pressure Levelmeasurement and prepare Functional Requirement Specification.

v) Water Closet Module in HHP locomotives

Hon'ble MR in his budget speech mentioned the need of better workingconditions for loco pilots. In his words :

"Considering the stress faced by loco-pilots particularly in harsh climaticconditions, it is proposed to provide water closets and air condition in thelocomotive cabs".

1st Water closet (prototype) was fitted on WDG4D-70486 locomotive rolledout from DLW on 6th April’16 & flagged off by Hon’ble MR on 6th May’16 atSafdarjang Rly station.

Salient Features: Latest technology based Vacuum type toilet module, similar to that

provided in aircrafts, along with the bio-digester technology for sewagetreatment onboard.

It uses only 250 ml of water as compared to 8 to 10 litres used per flushin conventional toilets.

It is self-sustaining and does not require periodic evacuation of sewagefrom the retention tank.

The modular cabin has ventilation fans, lights, wash basin, supporthandle, indicators, proximity sensors, door opening and emergency exitswitches.

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Considering the typical safety implications of crew using toilet on run,proper safety interlocks have been inbuilt into the system.

The micro-processor based toilet controller communicates with the mainlocomotive controller and enables use of toilet only when the locomotiveis stationary, reverser is in neutral position and loco brakes are in appliedcondition.

While the toilet cabin is occupied (as sensed by the proximity sensors),the locomotive power train is disabled and it cannot be powered up.

Considering the space constraint on the locomotive platform, DLW (IR)has used motor driven oil free air compressors on this locomotive for thefirst time.

Current Status:

DLW procured and fitted 5 nos. of Intermediate Vacuum Type toilet withEVAC/Germany make vacuum toilet module. Performance feedback hasbeen taken from concerned sheds and found satisfactory.

vi) Sri Lanka Loco Project

DLW signed agreement on 5th Jun’2017 with RITES for supply of 10 Nos3000 HP 12 cylinder 710 G3C EMD engine, dual cab, AC-AC locomotive onHHP platform at the cost of Rs 8.03 crores (ex-works price) per loco withsome free supply items by RITES. Target for first loco prototype supply isMay' 2018 and for remaining 9 locos it is Jan'2019.Salient Features of the locomotive: 12 Cylinder, 3000 HP (710-G3C) with EUI (Electronic Init Fuel Injectors).

Maximum Moving Dimension:Max Height-4165 mm, Max Width-3200 mm

Dual Cab: Stainless Steel Super structure and piping.

Broad Gauge

Max Speed - 120 KMPH

AC-AC with 30 KW load arrangement for coaches.

Wheel Arrangement : Co-Co Tri-mount

Brake System CCB-2.0 with TBU (Tread Brake Unit) and Parking Brake.

PU paintedDetailed manufacturing drawings and specification has been prepared bySep'17 and first loco of the lot is planned for turning out in July'18.

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CAB 1DB ARRGT

ECC1

ENGINE 12 CYLEQUIPMENT RACK

HVAC

BOGIE ARRGT BATTERY

BOX FUEL TANK

SIDE BUFFERSWIVEL TYPE COUPLER

UNDEFRAME AIR COMP

CAB2

GEN BLOWER

RADIATORS

TCC 1&2TA12 CA9 ECC2 +HL

Uncommon items Common items (HHP Loco)

RADIATOR FAN

Conceptual Design - Sri Lanka Locovii) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

It is observed, based on RDSO spec., that 50% of loco run time is spent inIDLING only. This is especially true for goods trains. Locomotive has tocontinue performing the following functions even during idling :

Maintain MR pressure between 8 to 10 Kg/cm2 Charging of loco batteries.

If these two functions are performed by a small engine, the main engine canbe shut down.

During idling, loco consumes fuel @19 ltr/hr, whereas APU consumes only 4ltr/hr. Following are the benefits of an APU unit:

Reduction in fuel oil consumption. Reduction in lube oil consumption. Reduction in emissions Extended engine life

No dependency on driver for shutting down loco.

As per RDSO specification, APU has now become a part of AC-AC TractionControl System. PO has been placed for supply of 259 sets. 61 Locos withAPU have been turned out till Jan ’2018.Payback Period of APU is 6 months

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viii) Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) in CABs

The locomotive cab HVAC unit used to provide interior cab temperatures in acomfortable range during extreme weather condition (high as well as lowtemperature range) encountered during locomotive operation throughout theyear. The cab environment created and ambience that ensures maximumproductivity and safe operation of the locomotive through improvements tothe well-being of the train crew.

Single, Self-contained compact design having inbuilt inverter with soft startfeature and having Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning capability. CabHVAC unit have easy operational rotary switch. A manual fresh air selectorknob has proved to allow filtered air from outside into cab.

KEY FEATURES:

Both Cooling and Heating feature.

Cooling capacity : 5300 kcal/hr (1.75 TR approx) at 35 ºC ambient.

Heating Capacity : 3.0 kW (approx)

Manual Fresh Air Selector to allow filtered air from out side into cab inany mode of operation.

Circuit Breaker to protect locomotive against short circuit in HVAC unit.Regular fitment of HVAC units on all HHP locomotives started sinceJan’2016. Till Jan ’2018, total 769 HHP locomotives have been rolled outduly equipped with HVAC.

ix) Distributed Power Control System(DPCS)

State of the art technology for long haul operation of freight train. Enablesmultiple operations of freight locomotives without increasing coupler forces, byplacing different locos(upto 1 Lead + 3 Remote), at different

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locations(front/middle/rear) in a Train formation. Control of remote locos fromthe leading loco through wireless communication up to 3 km distance. In IR, thelongest train (2.54 km) with a DPCS fitted HHP Diesel Loco hauled on19/12/2014 successfully over Western Railways (Viramgam Jn. To Chirai, 210km). This consisted of 3 locos and 4 empty Container rakes.

Following are the benefits of DPCS: Increasing sectional throughput. Saving of crew. No crew required on Remote Locomotives. Efficient train management. Reduced coupler forces, leading to eliminate of coupler failure. Efficient brake control, eliminating chances of brake binding, reduced

braking distance & reduced wear and tear. Faster charging (multi points)mean shorter brake release timings.

As per RDSO specification, DPCS has now become a part of AC-AC TractionControl System. PO has been placed for 150 sets. 43 freight locomotives withDPCS have been turned out till Jan ’2018.

x) Loco Cab Video & Voice Recording System (LCVR)

Railway Board has issued directives to fit Loco Cab Video & VoiceRecording System (LCVR) in Diesel Loco. This provides assistance foraccidents/SPAD investigations and also become tool for education of theLoco Pilot to observe and improve their mistakes/weakness.

Loco Cab Video and Voice Recording System (LCVR) has been introducedfor providing effective and tamper proof video and voice recording of eventswithin loco cab and in front of the Cab(track) for post event analysis.

It consists of 03 video cameras for each Loco Cab, out of which 02 Camerasare located inside and 1 outside. It has a built in memory of 1TB. It would

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Inside Camera

Outside Camera

DVR

preserve recordings of at least 30 days on FIFO (First in First Out) basis.Cameras having resolution of 2 Mega Pixel for Outside view & 0.4 MegaPixel for Inside view.

Benefits of LCVR: Video & Voice recording of Loco Pilot activities in Loco cab. Outside track view for record/ investigation/ post event analysis. Most valuable assistance for accidents/ SPAD investigations.

RDSO has advised DLW for procurement of 25 Loco set LCVR. DLW hasplaced PO for 25 loco sets. Prototype testing has been carried out by RDSOand issued dispatched clearance on 08.12.17. First unit has been fitted onWDG4D Loco no. 70787 and dispatched to Dsl loco Shed /LDH on 15.01.18.Second loco with LCVR has been dispatched to Raipur shed on 06.02.2018.

Diesel Mitra - Service Engineering and customer satisfaction:

Zonal railways/Diesel sheds homing diesel electric locomotivesmanufactured by DLW are treated as valued customers by DLW. Theirfeedback on quality and design inputs are therefore given due considerationand prompt efforts are made to resolve them.

There are currently 32 diesel loco sheds which are homing more than 2200HHP locomotives. To improve DLW'S co-ordination with the diesel locosheds across Indian Railways, and to get first hand feedback from the shedsregarding not only the performance of these locos but also issues linked withreliability, maintenance spares, technical and maintenance issues,confidence building in the sheds, concept of Diesel Mitras was introduced.One officer from DLW has been nominated as DLW's co-ordinator for eachzone and the sheds therein. This officer also known as ‘Diesel Mitra’ for thezone personally visits the sheds and the HQs of his nominated zone at leastthrice a year, personally interacts with the officers and staff and on return toDLW gives his report to the management. Currently there are 34 DieselMitras who, have carried out 82 visits so far across 16 Zones and 30 dieselsheds. DLW has put in efforts to study the feedbacks received and has takencorrective action for resolution of the issues. The analysis and actionadvisory is being regularly documented in the form of “Design Bulletins”which are being uploaded on DLW official website to enable wide publicityand provide unrestricted access to all concerned. Till date DLW has alreadyissued 76 design bulletins on various service engineering related issueshighlighted by various railways.

Diesel Locomotive Works is committed to adopt new technologies,manufacture new design locomotives, improve quality of HHPlocomotives and innovate to achieve new standards of crew comfortand safety in the coming future.

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