New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and industry partners to jointly develop an indigenous 3-phase propulsion system for electric trains.
The agreement aims to support India’s ongoing railway electrification programme through local technology development.
The signing event was attended by S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). While details on timelines and project budgets were not disclosed, the collaboration reflects the government’s push toward self-reliance in critical transport technologies.
Why This Matters
With a growing emphasis on electrification and energy efficiency across India’s rail network, the development of a domestic propulsion system is positioned as a step toward reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. The 3-phase propulsion system is expected to enhance the performance and energy efficiency of electric locomotives and EMUs (Electric Multiple Units) while also addressing long-term cost and maintenance concerns.
C-DAC’s Role in the Project
C-DAC, which functions under MeitY, will take the lead in the research and technical development of the propulsion system, while private sector and public sector collaborators will contribute to testing and deployment. The agreement suggests a broader institutional alignment between ministries and technical institutions to support core infrastructure projects.
Part of Larger Electrification Drive
This move comes as Indian Railways continues to push toward 100 per cent electrification of its broad-gauge network. According to official data, over 60,000 route kilometers have already been electrified, with efforts ongoing to cover the remaining network by 2030. Technology indigenization, like the propulsion system under development, is being seen as a necessary component in reducing project costs and import dependency.
