Current (AC) traction ran on that day. With path breaking technological advancement, India became only the second country in Asia after Japan to introduce 25 kV AC traction, which continues to be in use.
On Saturday, SER general manager P S Mishra visited Chakradharpur division and the Dangoaposi, Chaibasa and Kendposi stations were decorated and renovated with lights and flowers to mark the occasion. Many dignitaries were present on the occasion. They included P S Mishra, general manager, SER, Chhatrasal Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Chakradharpur and heads of various departments. A large number of Railway Employees and local residents had also assembled during the celebrations.
A Plaque was Installed at Dangoaposi Station to mark the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of 25kV AC Traction in India.
Kendposi deserves special mention when it comes to introduction of 25kV traction. It was at a location close to this station that a transformer and circuit breaker, loaned from French state-run rail company SNCF, were set up in 1959. The overhead wires between Kendposi and Rajkharswan were charged and the pantograph of locomotive No. 20250 was raised at the station to capture power from the wires for the first time.
“During the day in 1959, a special steam locomotive and an electric one ran beside each other on the 3 km stretch from the transformer to Kendposi station. This marked the start of 25 kV traction in the country. The Rajkharswan - Dangoaposi section is also of importance as it was opened in 1924, primarily to carry iron ore from mines in the area,” an SER official said.
Electrification first arrived in Indian Railways in 1925 when the Bombay VT - Kurla Harbour stretch got 1,500 V DC power. In 1958, the Howrah-Burdwan section of Eastern Railway was the first to get 3,000 V DC power supply. By then, SNCF had carried out experiments with 25 kV AC traction and this was found to be the most economical and effective system. Indian Railways then decided to settle for this traction with SNCF as a consultant in the initial stages. Soon after this, the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works began production of electric locomotives that would use the 25 kV traction.
“The Rajkharswan - Dangoaposi section was important as it generated a lot of freight. Hence, it was selected to allow quicker movement of the loaded wagons. Today, nearly 30,000 km under Indian Railways has been electrified with 25 kV traction. A plan has been made to electrify the whole broad-gauge network in the country by 2021-22,” said SER CPRO Sanjoy Ghosh.
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