Our rail infrastructure portfolio focuses on DC and AC traction power supply applications.
Ganesh Kothawade
How do you view the progress of the railway and metro rail infrastructure in India?
India has made modernizing its railway infrastructure a top priority and is well on its way to achieving its goals. These goals include 100% electrification, renovating existing railway stations, and building new rail tracks over the next two decades. The launch of advanced trains like the Vande Bharat Express, Tejas Express, and Humsafar Express, as well as the ambition of introducing bullet trains, are a testament to India's commitment to using cutting-edge technology and introducing semi-high-speed and premium trains. Over the last five years, India has electrified 45% of its railway network, and as of February this year 94% of the Broad-Gauge network electrification has been completed. Indian Railways has made unprecedented progress and is on its way to becoming the world's largest green network. The country's economy relies heavily on the connectivity provided by Indian Railways, so any advancements it makes have significant impacts on the country's growth and development. The metro rail network has also grown significantly, with an increase from 248 km in 2014 to 895 km in 2023. India is well on its way to surpass the USA and become the world's second-largest metro rail network in the next two to three years.
What are the key growth drivers for electrifying the railway network in the country?
Railway infrastructure in India is expected to receive an investment of approximately $715 billion over the next decade. This investment will mainly focus on the electrification of the railway network, adding new freight corridors, and introducing new high-speed trains. The Indian rail infrastructure segment is currently undergoing an upgrade in both the freight movement and passenger movement space due to ever increasing traffic. The system is being equipped with modern, comfortable, and high-tech technology. ABB India has contributed towards metro and rail projects in more than 10 cities. Our key drivers in the business portfolio are the passenger and freight traffic segments. ABB India is contributing to the modernization of many railway stations, dedicated freight corridors, augmentation of high-speed trains, Gati Shakti cargo terminal, and Vande Bharat trains. Our company’s technology is being widely accepted by most market segments due to the high quality and reliable products we have to offer.
How are your products and services contributing towards the development and modernization of the railway and metro rail systems through electrification?
Our products and services are state-of-the-art and are positively contributing towards the development and modernization of the railways systems through electrification. Within this segment, our major focus areas include power protection, power management, and switching and control. We can support the customers in managing energy consumption, reducing failure rates and optimizing maintenance costs. ABB’s traction system for metros supports the construction of clean, safe railway networks in cities. Some of the key benefits provided to the customers include low operating cost, single interface with the supplier and maximum energy efficiency to name a few. Additionally, our digital solutions are state-of-the-art, with ABB Ability™ solutions we are able to deliver a safer, smarter, more sustainable electrical infrastructure within our railways segment by providing data-driven insights that enable the customers to reduce costs, increase comfort, and drive efficiency. ABB’s main areas of focus regarding tunnels are power distribution, power management, and power protection. Our rail infrastructure portfolio focuses on DC and AC traction power supply applications. ABB’s Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) & Air insulated switchgear offers maximum flexibility to the railway AC system, ensuring a high level of operator and system safety, reliable power supply, easy service, and cost-effectiveness. The Switchgear is easy to install, adapt and integrate into current client requirements for both voltage and space. ABB’s GIS enables not handling the SF6 gas on site and thus reduces the risk of human errors, ensuring a safe and secure operation.
As the railway modernization is on fast track, what opportunities do you anticipate for your technologies and solutions?
ABB is dedicated to providing its products and services to the ‘railways of the future’ and offers electrification solutions to support the growth of rail both now and in the future. ABB has a long history of delivering innovative and energy-efficient technologies to the railway sector. We have been manufacturing and servicing all major electrification components and subsystems in urban, intercity, and high-speed networks for rail infrastructure and rolling stock. When it comes to rail infrastructure, the key focus areas are DC and AC traction power supply & protection applications. ABB's innovative Low Voltage Products and Solutions are designed for heavy-duty traction applications. Highly energy-efficient power supply products and solutions play a vital role in building and maintaining modern and reliable railways. Furthermore, for power supply applications, Medium voltage compacts substation can also be explored for outdoor applications.
Which are the electrification projects have you accomplished recently?
We recently worked on the Kanpur metro, which has implemented ABB's latest electrification solutions to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality power distribution. We are pleased to have played a part in making commuting seamless, safe, and comfortable for passengers. Furthermore, the distribution solutions division has supported 10 metro rail projects across the country by providing its solutions to Indian Metro systems. In addition, we have supplied our traction technology and switchgear for the Vande Bharat train, as well as other rolling stock.
