The First battery-operated dual-mode locomotive 'Navdoot’

Context

Recently, West Central Railway has developed a battery-operated dual-mode locomotive named Navdoot.

• Currently, it is being used during the shunting of trains at Jabalpur, Mudwara, and other stations on a trial basis.

About ‘Navdoot’

• This engine runs on both modes i.e. battery and electricity.
• This e-engine can pull 18 coaches at a speed of 30 kmph.
• It has 84 batteries and has a capacity to pull 400 tonnes at present.
• This has been developed by the Electric Department of New Katni Junction.
• After clearing all the trials, it will be used more widely in other stations for purposes like carrying goods, coal, oil tankers etc.

Significance

• This Dual Mode Locomotive has also received the’ Best Innovation Award’ from the Railway Board.
• Railways will save 1000 litres of diesel every day with this new locomotive.
• After clearing all the trials, it will be used more widely in other stations for purposes like carrying goods, coal, oil tankers etc.
• This battery powered engine can have many other advantages such as low energy consumption, and no noise pollution. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions will also be reduced. 
• This is an important step of Indian Railways towards the environment.