Cheaper Electricity for Railway Traction in Maharashtra

2015/11/18

26-11-2015

Cheaper Electricity for Railway Traction in Maharashtra

Central Railway Press Release

Indian Railways is purchasing electric power from State Electricity Boards for running the passenger and goods train o­n electric traction. Power is received at various Traction Sub-Stations (TSS) located along the railway tracks and is fed to the overhead traction conductors provided above the tracks.

Over the years, rate of electricity for traction has increased considerably putting lot of burden o­n Railway finances. Railways thereby started exploring feasibility of purchasing electricity from open market.Central Railway has signed a Power Purchase Agreement for availing up to 300 MW power from Ratnagiri Gas & Power Private Ltd (RGPPL), which is a joint venture company promoted by MSEB/HCL, NTPC and GAIL.

Ministry of Power has given deemed distribution licensee status to Indian Railways and Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has also endorsed this decision which has paved the way for availing electricity by Railways through Open Access mechanism. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with RGPPL has been accordingly signed by Central Railway for 47 traction sub-stations located in Maharashtra.

All the formalities required for open access viz. Connectivity Certificate, No Objection Certificate, deposition of required fees to MSETCL and State Load Dispatch Centre, etc. have been completed.Existing STU network through which these TSSs are connected will continue to feed the power supply being availed from RGPPL.Special Cell has been formed at Mumbai Office of Central Railway to monitor o­nline scheduling of power in consultation with State Load Dispatch Centre and RGPPL Power Point.

Power from RGPPL has started flowing with effect from 26.11.2015. Energy cost saving is expected to be in range of Rs.2.50 to Rs.3.50 per unit, which will result into substantial saving to the tune of Rs.500-700 crore per annum to Indian Railways for the 47 traction substations located in Maharashtra (36 on CR, 6 on WR, 4 on SECR and one on SCR)