Gandhinagar: Western Railway’s Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot has become the first coaching depot in the zone to get a retractable overhead equipment (OHE) system, a move aimed at improving safety during maintenance and eliminating the need for diesel shunting engines.An official statement said on Sunday that the system, known as the retractable rigid overhead conductor system (RRCS), has been installed across 620m at the depot. The motorised, pit-mounted overhead conductor system has been designed for use in electrified railway coaching depots, locomotive sheds and loading sidings.The new system will allow electric locomotives, including Vande Bharat trains, to move into the coaching depot under electric traction instead of requiring a separate shunting engine. This is expected to reduce diesel consumption, smoke, noise and emissions, the statement added.A key feature of the RRCS is that the overhead conductor can be mechanically retracted when required. This allows maintenance personnel to work safely on the roofs of coaches after the OHE is de-energised and isolated, with proper earthing further reducing the risk of accidental electric shock.The system is also expected to reduce turnaround time as coaches can be moved directly to maintenance lines, the statement said, adding that the retractable arrangement provides operational flexibility by allowing overhead lines to be withdrawn when maintenance or stabling activities require additional clearance.
