Manufacture of state-of-the-art dual voltage EMUs for
Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation By ICF

 

During peak hours a nine car EMU train in Mumbai  carries more than 5000 passengers, the resultant passenger loading density being 16 passengers per sq.m area.  This will undoubtedly call for a substantial upgradation of the existing suburban railway network and its effective management.

 

Indian Railways have formed a separate corporation for managing the suburban railway system of the Mumbai Megapolis i.e the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation. This is part of the larger World Bank aided Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) which involves overall upgradation of the existing rail and road transport systems and their effective integration for providing a satisfactory transport solution for Mumbai. The total  investment involved in the MUTP is  4,500 crores in Phase-I of the project.

 

ICF has completed the design for three numbers of AC /DC coaches with 3 phase propulsion for MRVC  were finalized and shells for one number each of Motor coach, driving trailer and C coach are ready for furnishing.

Based on the various discussions among MRVC, RDSO and ICF, the following features shall be incorporated in the 3 prototype  coaches  and on receipt of feedback from WR, the same will be implemented in regular AC DC coaches of MRVC :-

 

          Wiring and speakers will be provided for Public Address System

          Central Aisle Lighting with two rows of lights

          Emergency Light using fluorescent light

          Modular switches for compartment fans

          Fans with injury free features

          Poly carbonate single  lookout glass

          FRP drivers desk

          Air conditioning of drivers cab in D coach

          LED type head code

          Roof Mounted Package Unit for improved ventilation in the compartment

 

            Other features of these coaches are:

 

           

Higher energy efficiency on account of regenerative braking – energy consumption would reduce by 35 % compared to the present level. 

Reduced maintenance requirements and thereby maintenance costs on account of :-

reduced wear and tear of brake blocks since majority of the braking effort comes through regeneration

use of squirrel cage induction motors which are inherently more rugged and robust compared to the DC series motors. Also these motors are without carbon brushes eliminating brush and commutor related problems associated with DC motors

As a consequence, down time of stock fitted with three phase propulsion will be much less compared to the DC system and hence availability will be higher.

Higher torque and speed potential – with AC traction motors for the same weight of the motor, much higher power can be derived from the motor (about 50 % higher). Also with the use of microprocessor controlled operation of the power electronics, maximum torque can be achieved over a wider speed range improving the running performance of the train.

Easy maintainability on account of use of microprocessor based control system which has built in fault diagnostic feature with fault identification and data logging facility, enabling quicker identification of faults by both maintenance staff as well as the motor man.

Driver friendly features like a comprehensive cab display system giving coach wise indication of the health of the traction and braking system, fault diagnostics system, energy drawn, energy regenerated etc.

Following parts of the car body, which have been identified as corrosion prone will be manufactured out of stainless steel

     

Trough floor

Sole bar

Body pillars

Side wall below window sill level

Cross bearers

The coaches with Siemens Electrics  will have following special features:Use of IGBT based converter-inverters as against GTO based converter-inverters used on the dual voltage EMUs now in use.

Use of air driers in the pneumatic circuit which will improve the reliability of the EP brakes and air springs.

Use of train communication network and multiplexing

Use of passenger information and communication system incorporating the following features :-

Destination indicator on the front face of the driving coach using high resolution LEDs

Use of fire detection and extinguishing system consisting of smoke &     heat sensors, audio –visual alarms and fire extinguishers. 

Use of coach ventilation system to make adequate fresh air available in the passenger area particularly during heavy passenger loading conditions.

Provision of independent converter and inverter for each pair of traction motors and provision for isolation of a bogie in the event of a traction/auxiliary circuit fault.