SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU FLAGS OFF FIRST DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE WITH VACCUME, BIO TOILET FACILITY FROM DELHI SAFDARJUNG RAILWAY STATION TODAY
In order to cater to the needs of loco-pilots, Hon’ble Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu flagged off the first Diesel Locomotive with toilet facility at a ceremony held at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station today (06.04.2016).
The WDG4D-70486, manufactured by DLW (IR) in April 2016, is the first Dual cab high-horse power (4500 HP) freight locomotive provided with toilet facility onboard for the crew. The state-of-art toilet facility provided on this locomotive...
more... has latest technology based Vacuum type toilet module, similar to that provided in aircrafts, married with the bio-digester technology for sewage treatment onboard. Vacuum toilet module uses only 250 ml of water as compared to 8 to 10 litres used per flush in conventional toilets. The system provided is self-sustaining and does not require periodic evacuation of sewage from the retention tank. The modular cabin has ventilation fans, lights, wash basin, support handle, indicators, proximity sensors, door opening and emergency exit switches. Considering the typical safety implications of crew using toilet on run, proper safety interlocks have been inbuilt into the system. The micro-processor based toilet controller communicates with the main locomotive controller and enables use of toilet only when the locomotive is stationary and loco brakes are in applied condition. While the toilet cabin is occupied (as sensed by the proximity sensors), the locomotive power train is disabled and it cannot be powered up. The entrance to the toilet cabin is from inside the rear crew cabin. Considering the space constraint on the locomotive platform, DLW (IR) has used motor driven oil free air compressors on this locomotive for the first time. This is again advancement over the existing engine driven air compressors as it is more energy efficient technology and is also environment friendly.
The Microprocessor Based Vacuum Toilet fitted on the High Horse Power Locomotive is the first of its kind with Biodigester System. The Toilet System has Toilet Cabin, Bio-digester and a Water Tank. The Vacuum Toilet assembly is designed to transport human waste from the toilet bowl to a waste tank or sewage tank. A pneumatic vacuum is used and the toilet system is installed above the bio-digester. The system has an advanced electronic control panel with a wide range of alarm, control and indication functions. The pneumatic system will effectively prevent odours that are emitted by Bio-digester. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prabhu stated that loco-pilots are a respected and valued front-line safety category of the Indian Railways and the Railways assigns highest importance to all its frontline employees through consistent endeavours to provide better facilities from time to time.
Source from: FB
