Hitachi Energy Wins Orders for Electrification of India’s Railways

Bangalore, India – Hitachi Energy India Ltd has won orders worth more than INR 160 crore for its key electric components used to support the electrification of the country’s rail routes. As the operator of the world’s fourth-largest railway network, Indian Railways aims to electrify all broad-gauge routes by 2023. The government of India’s electric locomotive manufacturers, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (DMW), part of Indian Railways, have placed orders with Hitachi Energy for traction transformers for passenger and freight locomotives in the October-December 2021 period.

Rail electrification is a critical component of India’s drive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), India reaffirmed its commitment to switching to electricity for transport and reducing the economy’s carbon intensity by 45 percent by 2030. The Indian Railways’ efforts to electrify all routes by 2023 are crucial to achieving these targets.

Traction transformers are essential components in the traction chain, affecting both train performance and operator services. Hitachi Energy transformers power more than half of the world’s electric locomotives and train sets. The pioneering technology leader has over 30,000 units of these transformers installed globally, enabling essential train functions such as traction, lighting, ventilation, braking, signaling, and communication.

Stating that electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system and emphasizing the company’s commitment to the rapid electrification and decarbonization of the world’s transportation and rail sectors, N Venu, Managing Director and CEO, Hitachi Energy India Ltd, added, “Indian Railways is a longstanding customer of Hitachi Energy and these orders are further evidence that Hitachi Energy is regarded as a trusted partner of choice for the rail industry. A clean and reliable electric rail network is fundamental for India to build back better, supporting the movement of people and goods whilst reducing the environmental impact.”

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