India's rapid electrification of its main rail network stands in contrast to the United States, showcasing a remarkable transition from diesel to electric trains. By the end of 2024, India's 40,000-mile rail network could be fully electrified, currently at over 96%. This achievement is particularly noteworthy when compared to the...
Alstom Partners Indian Railways to Make Locomotives in India
The joint venture between France headquartered Alstom and State-owned Indian Railways now operates a locomotive factory on a 250 acre lot, in Madhepura, 175 miles northeast of Patna, the capital of India's northern state of Bihar. Earlier this year, the JV showcased its first all-electric locomotive constructed here -- India’s first...
Google Provides Free Wi-Fi at 400 Train Stations in India
Since 2015, Google has been working with federally-owned and operated entities, the Indian Railways and RailTel, a pan-India optic fiber network running along railway tracks in rural and urban regions covering 70% of India’s population, to bring public Wi-Fi to India’s train stations. The first Wi-Fi-enabled railway station, Mumbai Central,...
India Rolls Out Trains with Solar Powered Cars
State-owned Indian Railways launched the country’s first solar-powered train with rooftop solar panels that power the lights, fans, and information display systems inside passenger cars. Although the train will still be drawn by a diesel-powered locomotive, a set of 16 solar panels atop each car will replace the diesel generators...
Google Offers Special YouTube, Hotspots in India
In a blogpost, Google India says: The growth of the Internet has been explosive in India. Every second, three more Indians come online for the first time — that’s over 10,000 people every hour. But this latest wave of Internet users still has significant barriers to getting the most out...
GE Wins $2.6 Billion Contract to Modernize India’s Railway System
General Electric has won a contract worth $2.6 billion to supply 1,000 diesel locomotives to Indian Railways over the next 11 years. This is GE’s largest contract in its 100 year association with India. GE plans to build a $200 million manufacturing facility in the state of Bihar. France’s Alstom...