DEMU (diesel electric multiple unit)

•  In line with the Indian Railways ‘Solar Mission’ to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, Railways launched its first 1600 HP solar-powered DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train from Safdarjung railway station.
• The train has six trailer coaches, with 16 solar panels fitted in each of them. The solar panels will power all the electrical appliances inside.
• Railways’ first DEMU rake with solar power hotel load system, based at Shakurbasti shed, was launched by Railway Minister
• Annually, the Railways are hoping to reduce 239 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by saving approximately 90,800 litres of diesel per rake.
• Indian Railways’ first DEMU service was between Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur on October 23, 1994. The 1400 HP DEMU train services were introduced in 2002, while the 1600 HP DEMU services were introduced this year.
• With 182 daily services covering six states including Kashmir, Northern Railway is running the highest number of DEMU trains on Indian Railways.

About DEMU:

• Diesel electrical units or trains are three-fold low-floor compositions consisting of two drive units with a driver cab each one and a central segment.
• Three-phase asynchronous traction motors provide high acceleration at start-up and a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
• The steering and diagnostic system is a microprocessor system that links the train subsystems with modern communication protocols.

By: Vishal