India is the first to convert a diesel locomotive to electric

• The Indian government has called it a historic move.
  
• State-owned Diesel Locomotive Works has converted two WDG3A Diesel Locos into a twin electric WAGC3 locomotive of 10,000 horsepower.
  
• The launch of the electric locomotive comes just days after PM Modi unveiled the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat express.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the first electric engine converted from diesel locomotive in Varanasi today, making India the world’s first country to achieve the same.

The new electric engine was a project undertaken by Diesel Locomotive Works based out of Varanasi.

The DLW converted two WDG3A Diesel Locos into a twin electric WAGC3 locomotive of 10,000 horsepower. According to official statements, the government has called it a ‘complete Make in India’ initiative which will result in less greenhouse gas emissions while also making way for better efficient locomotives.

This comes in just days after PM Modi unveiled the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat express ‘Train 18’, which broke down on its first commercial run.

The project which started work on December 22, 2017 was reportedly completed in a record duration of 69 days.

In 2016, the Indian Railways had launched Mission Electrification on November 3, 2016.

As part of Mission Electrification, in the recent past 10 different electrification projects covering 2516 route kilometer at a cost of about Rs 2797 crores. have been finalized in a short duration, according to official statements.

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