First Indigenously Manufactured Aluminium Freight Train Rake

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 2

Recently the union minister for Railways recently launched India’s first all-aluminium freight rail rakes.

Aluminium Freight 

• Lighter than its predecessors, but with more freight-carrying capacity, the Railways’ first indigenously manufactured aluminium goods train rake.
• Made in collaboration with Besco Limited Wagon Division and aluminium major Hindalco, it also has a lower carbon footprint for every 100 kg of weight reduction in wagons.
• The rake was 180 tonnes lighter than existing steel rakes, resulting in increased speed and lower power consumption for the same distance.
• These wagons save 14,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions, have more carrying capacity, consume less energy and are corrosion-resistant.
• They are 100% recyclable and even after 30 years.
• The new rake can carry 180 tonnes extra payload per trip over conventional rakes and being corrosion-resistant, will reduce maintenance costs.

Significance of using Aluminium

• Aluminium trains command a lion’s share in the United States, Europe and Japan.
• This is because of its attributes such as sleek, aerodynamic designs.
• They also have an ability to tilt at high speeds without going off the rails.
• Aluminium is the preferred choice for metro trains worldwide for their durability and most importantly – passenger safety, as it has improved crash worthiness or superior crash absorption capability.
• Indian Railways have already announced their plans to make aluminium bodied Vande Bharat train sets.