Prime Minister Modi launches India's first all electric high speed train in Bihar.
India's First 12,000 horsepower electric locomotive was launched today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Bihar's Madhepura electric locomotive factory.
Modi was in Bihar to join the year long centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Sathyagraha by the Bihar government which ended today. The occasion called for a celebration of the Swachh Bharath or Clean India mission with the theme "Satyagrah se Swachhagrah."
20,000 "Swachhagaris (cleanliness ambassadors) joined in support of this movement in Motihari, Bihar.
Make in India
This electric train is India's first big Make in India project and was completed by France's Alstom and developed at Madhepura's Electric Locomotive Factory.
Over the course of next 11 years, 800 high speed electric locomotives are expected to be delivered by Alstom. The project will cost Rs 200 million. As per the agreement, the first first locomotives will be produced abroad and other 795 in India, as part of the "Make in India" program.
Employment and Economy
While 35 locomotives are expected to be manufactured in the next fiscal year 2019-20 and 60 in the following year, this 'Make in India' project is expected to generate thousands of jobs for the locals in Bihar by procuring locally sourced components for upto 90%.
The train also made with a IGBT based propulsion technology to endure Indian climate.
The train launch will now help India compete with countries like China, Germany, Russia and Sweden that have efficient train with 12,000 and over horsepower.
PM Modi may also launch a bi-weekly train between Katihar and New Delhi called the Humsafar Express.
Efficient and Eco-friendly
Each of the double section locomotive will have hauling capacity of 6,000 tonnes. It has a speed of 120km/hr that will reduce the congestion.
The locomotive's 100% electrification will cut down the emission of gases that are harmful to the environment and bring down the operating costs associated with the running of the train.
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