Last direct current train on Western Railway bids goodbye

Saturday was the last day for the trains operating on the Direct Current (DC) electric on the Western Line. The Western Railway (WR) is all set to convert its suburban electric network, which powers the local trains, from DC to AC (Alternating Current).

A symbolic last run of a DC train was organised by the WR from Bandra to Churchgate on Saturday afternoon. The train, garlanded in red and yellow and green, entered the Churchgate station and was welcomed by a musical band.

“The system’s capacity had reached its saturation point and we were not able to add more trains in the DC traction. With the conversion to AC, we can increase the number of services when rakes are available,” said Mahesh Kumar, general manager, WR.

The first DC local was operated on WR on January 5, 1928 between Colaba and Borivli. The AC electric system requires less maintenance and will help WR save 33% electricity as compared to the DC system. “The maintenance cost will come down in AC traction. This system is more reliable,” said Kumar.

DC rakes run at a speed of 75-80 kmph, the AC rakes can go up to 100 kmph. The conversion will help in adding to the number of suburban services. The entire project, which is being worked on since 2009, cost the WR Rs500 crore.