While monsoons in Mumbai create the most romantic atmosphere at its iconic public spots, more often than not, the rains prove to be a bane to the common people.
Hosts of office goers, wait at the platform to board a local from one end of the city to another, most trains are either delayed or cancelled.
Reason?
The tracks lie submerged under water.
Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railways, told Mumbai Mirror that in September 2017 that over 23 rakes were stuck on tracks due to heavy rains and over 155 coaches had to be put out of service after water flowed into them. Every second day would see a disruption in train services.
Fun fact: As little as four inches of water can bring a locomotive engine to a standstill until the tracks clear. After crossing four inches, the water enters traction motors at the bottom of the engine, which can cause an ‘engine failure’.
And so, in a move to ease the woes of the aam aadmi, Central Railways has decided to roll out a modified “waterproof” locomotive engine which will be equipped to run even in 12 inches of water!
The purpose of this modified engine is to move trains that are stuck on flooded tracks to avoid unnecessary delays.
The main feature of this modified engine is that its motors are completely sealed which will prevent water from entering it, thereby avoiding engine failure.
It is also equipped with sensors to monitor any increase in motor temperature at all times.
Read More: Railways’ New Way to Ensure Cleanliness? WhatsApp Groups & Recycled Water!
Officials of the Central Railways told the publication that trials had been conducted and the engine which is currently stationed at the Kurla Locomotive Shed is ready to be rolled out.
Here’s looking forward to a romantic as well as safer monsoon for commuters in Mumbai!
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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