Latest news with #Kanmadi
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
SWR saves ₹4 cr. by generating 6.72 million units of power harnessing solar energy
In a push towards sustainable infrastructure and energy independence, South Western Railway (SWR) has saved nearly ₹4 crore in the financial year 2024–25 by generating 6.72 million units of solar power, marking an 18.1% increase from the previous year. According to officials, this aligns with Indian Railways' mission to become the world's first 100% green railway network by 2030. The initiative spans across the three divisions of Hubballi, Bengaluru, and Mysuru, as well as their respective workshops. Manjunath Kanmadi, chief public relations officer of South Western Railway, said, 'Rooftop and ground-mounted solar plants have been installed at stations, offices, level crossings, residential quarters, and even running rooms.' SWR has installed solar panels at 148 railway stations, ensuring that a significant portion of station operations now run on clean energy. In addition, 32 service buildings and 141 level crossing gates across the region have been equipped with rooftop solar panels. To further enhance off-grid energy access, 22 solar-powered pumps have also been installed. Solar energy savings The Hubballi division added 487 kWp of rooftop solar in FY 2024–25 alone, bringing its total installed capacity to 3,036 kWp. 'Caranzol and Kalgurki stations, previously off-grid, are now fully solar-powered. The 100 kWp solar plant at Dharwad station alone generated 1.33 lakh units, meeting 37% of the station's electricity needs,' Mr. Kanmadi explained. According to SWR, the Bengaluru division expanded its solar capacity to 1,473 kWp, with new installations at the MEMU Shed Banaswadi (85 kWp) and the DRM office. The division saved ₹9.5 lakh annually through solar energy. Mysuru division added 55 kWp of solar capacity, bringing its total to 887 kWp. 'SWR's solar plants are maintained under a dual model: CAPEX, where maintenance is managed by the Railways, and OPEX (RESCO model), where developers handle operations for 25 years under Power Purchase Agreements. Our solar expansion is not just about cost savings, but also about creating an environmentally conscious railway network,' said Mr. Kanmadi.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- The Hindu
South Western Railway to upgrade tunnel radio for safer operations on Braganza Ghats, one of India's toughest rail sections
In a significant move to boost safety and operational efficiency in one of India's most challenging railway sections, South Western Railway (SWR) is set to implement an advanced Tunnel Radio Communication System in the Castle Rock–Kulem stretch of the Braganza Ghats, located on the Karnataka-Goa border within the Western Ghats. The 26-km section cuts through the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its steep 1-in-37 ruling gradient, dense forest cover, and iconic monsoon-fed Dudhsagar Falls. The line, which includes remote stations such as Caranzol, Dudhsagar, and Sonalium, serves both tourists and railway personnel. However, according to SWR officials, the lack of road access and a persistent 'radio black-out' inside the 16 tunnels on this route have long posed safety and communication challenges. Speaking to The Hindu, Manjunath Kanmadi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of South Western Railway, said, 'We are installing a cutting-edge radio communication network that brings four separate railway communication channels — VHF, Locotrol, GSM-R and LTE-R — into every tunnel. This is being done using optical-fibre backbones, high-gain repeaters and leaky-feeder cables.' The total cost of the project is ₹12.21 crore, and it is expected to be completed by October 2025. Mr. Kanmadi explained that the system will ensure continuous communication between train drivers, guards, station masters, and control rooms, even inside the tunnels. 'This will significantly improve safety during operations in this ecologically sensitive and remote area. Maintenance teams will also be able to call for assistance instantly,' the he added. Radio system used in UK, Japan rail networks Officials say that the technology mirrors global best practices. SWR's approach is similar to those implemented in leading railway systems around the world. 'The UK's Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) has employed leaky-feeder cables and GSM-R for uninterrupted communication inside London's tunnels. In Japan, the Shinkansen network has tested LTE-R and 5G systems for ultra-fast, low-latency train control in tunnels. Metro systems such as the London Underground also use long leaky-feeder antennas to maintain consistent radio coverage. By adopting this world-class architecture, SWR is joining a group of railways using top-tier communication systems,' Mr. Kanmadi noted. The benefits of the project are that continuous radio coverage will enable quicker emergency responses in the event of a breakdown or landslip. According to officials, it will also allow better coordination between lead and banking locomotives, which is vital on the steep gradients of the ghats. Passengers will benefit from safer journeys, and staff will have a more secure and responsive working environment.
