New Diesel Locomotive Technologies from EMD to Help Strengthen Indian Railway Infrastructure & Boost Revenues by 2011
Gears up India Operations for Future Expansion
-- Electro-motive Diesel Inc. (EMD) - One of the world's largest builder of diesel electric locomotives and diesel engines, Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc., views the Indian locomotive market growing significantly by the year 2011 that will benefit both EMD and Indian Railways enhance their revenues. New diesel technologies from EMD shall contribute in strengthening the railway infrastructure that will be advantageous to India from an economic, national security and environmental point of view.
EMD recently completed its 50 years in India, in association with Indian Railways, providing technology that has been driving diesel locomotives in Indian Railways.
Mr. John S Hamilton, President and CEO, EMD states that "With EMD completing 50 years in India, we have great confidence that our Revenues from India, currently at $ 70 million (Rs. 340 crores), shall almost double in the next two years since India is ramping up production".
EMD's association with Indian Railways dates back to the year 1959 when EMD and IR initiated a contract to deliver 127 diesel locomotives. Over the decades the relationship between EMD and Indian Railways has created job opportunities, both in India and the US. EMD and Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi (DLW) have been actively working together to constantly upgrade and improve on the technology, with the introduction of new and higher horse power (HP) diesel locomotives.
Mr. Ajay Sinha, Regional Director, Corporate Development, EMD throwing some light on the new initiatives said "Today Indian Railways is working with EMD on higher HP (5000 + HP) locomotive model, which will be capable of running on the existing tracks. The goal is to increase the output by hauling higher loads faster which will enable IR to generate more revenues. This will in turn help Indian Railways to enhance its operations and passenger amenities"
The future looks bright for EMD in India as it actively looks to work with local associates to develop world class quality components.
Talking about the current growth pattern of the IR and EMD's contribution in that Mr. Hamilton further adds that "Indian Railway's DLW plant at Varanasi has set its production target at 200 locomotives per year and has set a goal of reaching this target within the next few years,. "EMD will be working in close co-operation with the IR in supplying them technology for meeting the target of 200 locos." added Mr. Hamilton.
Appreciating this relationship, Mr. Masih Uzzman, former Member Mechanical, Railway Board comments, "Indian Railways and EMD have been and are partners in progress. I am confident this partnership would grow from strength to strength."
EMD locomotives also contribute significantly to enhancing the nation's power grid capacity while at the same time lowering pollution levels. A single diesel engine generates its own electrical power using clean diesel technology, this effectively adds (substitutes) about 3-4 MW capacity to the nation's power grid. For India, each diesel locomotive adds to nation's power grid through self generating electricity, thus lowering the National power requirement as well as reducing pollution levels equivalent to 40 tonnes coal ash/MW.
EMD is working closely with Indian Railways to introduce new technologies, which for example can enable India's locomotives to run on environment friendly B20 bio- diesel blend. Another innovative technology EMD is bringing to IR is the use of Radial Bogies. This technology will enable the locomotives wheels to turn with the track reducing both wheel and track wear while helping to improve fuel economy.
Currently EMD is working on an improved diesel engine that will reduce NOx emissions by 80% and particulate matter by 95% without significantly impacting fuel consumption.
EMD has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to provide enhancements to the 710-engine family to make it the most environmentally friendly diesel engine in its class. EMD has always been at the forefront of meeting or exceeding emission standards around the world for its diesel engines.
Notes to Editor
About EMD
Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. is a leading U.S. original equipment manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois, with additional facilities and associates around the world, EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and has sold its products in more than 70 countries worldwide. The Company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 70,000 engines and has the largest installed base of diesel-electric locomotives in both North America and internationally. In addition to its locomotive manufacturing activities, EMD has an extensive aftermarket business offering customer's replacement parts and a range of value-added services for its locomotives. The Company is also a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs, and stationary power generation.
Additional information may be found at www.EMDiesels.com