Indian Railways sets world record as PM Modi unveils first ever diesel to electric converted locomotive in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off an electric locomotive converted from a diesel engine at the Diesel Locomotives Works (DLW) in his constituency Varanasi. 

In a first, the Indian Railways has converted a diesel locomotive into an electric one, as part of efforts to completely electrify the broad gauge network.

Immediately after landing in Varanasi, the prime minister reached DLW and flagged off the electric locomotive. He also inspected the engine from inside.

MUST WATCH: Indian Railways’ Version Of 'Gully Boy' Title Track 'Apna Time Aayega' Goes Viral

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal also took to Twitter and said that Varanasi has established a record for the first time in the world by turning the diesel engine into an electric engine.

"Under the make-in-India program run by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Varanasi's Diesel Locomotive Works has established a record for the first time in the world by turning the diesel engine into an electric engine. This has increased the engine capacity by 92%, and it will also save the environment and save the diesel."

The work on the project began on December 22, 2017 and from concept to execution of the conversion of the diesel locomotive to electric was carried out in just 69 days, railway officials said.  The project is a step towards saving traction energy cost and also cut down on carbon emissions.

In keeping with the Indian Railways' Mission 100 per cent electrification and de-carbonization agenda, DLW has developed a new prototype electric locomotive converted from diesel locomotive.

READ: 2018 A Year Of Many "Firsts" For Indian Railways: Minister Piyush Goyal

(With agency inputs)