by Shuichi Ito, Managing Director, Toshiba India
Indian Railways: Modernising for the future
Indian Railways, the backbone of India's transport infrastructure, is undergoing a transformative overhaul. High-speed trains, upgraded stations, advanced signalling, and projects like dedicated freight corridors are enhancing efficiency and capacity. Backed by a Rs. 3 lakh crore modernisation budget, initiatives include 100% electrification, 300-400 Vande Bharat trains, 40,000 upgraded coaches, and the "Mission Zero Accidents" safety drive, prioritizing passenger experience and sustainability.
Toshiba: A century of innovation in rail technology
For over 120 years, Toshiba has led rail technology innovation, starting in 1899 with traction motors and propulsion systems. In 1923, it advanced Japan's railway electrification by producing the first electric locomotive, marking its global expansion. Toshiba’s connection with India began in 1965 with the supply of electric locomotives, fostering collaboration in India's railway modernization. With a legacy of innovation and deep industry expertise, Toshiba’s innovative solutions meet the requirement for India's railway modernization, focusing on safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Revolutionising Railways: Innovative technologies by Toshiba
Toshiba power supply systems with advanced technology
Toshiba provides advanced, energy-efficient power supply systems that ensure stability and reliability for modern rail networks, continuously innovating to meet the evolving demands of railway infrastructure. Toshiba provides advanced, energy-efficient power supply systems that ensure stability and reliability for modern rail networks, continuously innovating to meet the evolving demands of railway infrastructure.
TESS with SCiBTM captures regenerative energy from train braking, storing it to reduce power waste, stabilize line voltage, and support peak demand. It reduces overall power consumption significantly and a field test shows the achievement of 9 to 14% daily traction energy consumption reduction. Other field test shows TESS enabling emergency train operations for 2.4 km distance which includes a section with steep gradient of up to +33‰.
Furthermore, Toshiba's traction battery systems applying SCiBTM rechargeable lithium-ion battery is key to next-generation railway systems, offering long life, safety, and eco-friendliness. It stores energy regenerated from trains and would serve as an emergency power source for evacuation during power outages. SCiBTM rechargeable battery also powers hybrid rolling stock, reducing total energy consumption compared to conventional systems.
Advanced Power Supply Systems for High Speed Rail, Mainline and Metro trains: Toshiba’s AC Electrification System ensures stable power delivery to electric rolling stock with critical components like Scott transformers (eg: 220/27.5 x 2 kV, 132/27.5 x 2 kV) and Gas Insulated Switchgear for reliable and long-term operations. Similarly, Toshiba’s DC Electrification System provides reliable DC power with rectifier transformers (up to 6 MW rectifier) and package-type substations (up to 2 MW), optimizing power distribution for seamless railway operations. Toshiba has extensive experience in supply of equipment’s like Control Relay Panel, Changeover Switch (42 kV) and other major electrical equipment in substation systems for High Speed Rail (Shinkansen) in Japan.
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