Modi flags off all-electric Humsafar Express between Katihar & New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off new bi-weekly all electric Humsafar Express connecting Katihar to New Delhi. The PM has arrived in Bihar to address “Swachchh Bharat Mission” volunteers as part of the concluding celebration of Champaran Satyagraha centenary launched by the Bihar Government in April last year.

The country’s first all-electric high speed locomotive is made with the help of a French company under Make-In-India Project at Madhepura Rail Loco factory in Bihar. The first engine to be rolled out from the factory has 12000 HP capacity, more than double of existing locomotives and capable of pulling along 6000 tonne weight with speed of 120 km/hr.

With this India has become fifth country after Russia, China, Germany and Sweden where such electric locomotives are operational. The heavy–haulage engines will help decongest saturated routes by improving the speed and carrying capacity of freight trains.

Modi will also likely to launch electrification work of Motihari-Muzaffarpur rail line and doubling of Muzaffarpur-Narkatiyaganj railway track. The Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation a locomotive developed at the Electric Locomotive Factory, a collaboration between India and France, in Madhepura.