The project proposes the electrification of Naini-Itarsi railway line which would cover a distance of 605 KM connecting Naini in Uttar Pradesh to Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh. The project also aims to study the trade-offs between electric and diesel traction, for passenger as well as goods trains. The initial CAPEX for electrification, although being high, there was an expectation that it would result in substantial savings during the course of the life.
Electric locomotives are powerful and can run at higher speeds when compared to diesel locomotives. Diesel locomotives consume HSD (High Speed Diesel) whose price keeps fluctuating depending on international crude oil prices while the cost of electricity has largely remained constant over a period of time. They also consume lesser power in steep gradients and can regenerate electricity while breaking hence reducing costs of operation. Faster acceleration and deceleration make electrical locomotives more attractive. To summarize railway electrification is justified on grounds like modernization, energy efficiency, depleting oil reserves, savings in foreign exchange, marginally capital intensive, higher hauling capacity and eco-friendly.
Based on the calculations shown in excel sheet, following figures have been arrived at.
The capital expenditure on electrification is Rs.6,55,09,40,000. This capital expenditure cost includes the LED up gradation cost and possible cost overruns. The total cost under electrification option is Rs.276.22 per 1000 GTKM while the total cost under diesel option is Rs.650.25 per 1000 GTKM. This directly translates into a cost saving of Rs. 374.03 per 1000 GTKM, making electrification option more attractive. On further calculation we find that the total savings on switching from diesel to electric traction equals Rs. 9, 48,88,67,38,017.01 over a 30 year period. The capital expenditure on