Mumbai: 92nd Foundation Day of Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan
Kalyan, 27 Nov 2020: 28th November, 2020 will be celebrated as the 92nd foundation day of Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan. The premier Shed of Indian Railways has the proud distinction of being the First Electric Loco Shed under the then Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR). It was established on 28.11.1928.
During its journey of the last 92 years, the Shed has maintained nearly 16 different types of Locomotives. Initially entrusted with DC Locomotives of type EA-1 & EF-1, the Shed received WCM-2, WCM-3 & WCM-4 class of locomotives which were modified to work in 1500V DC catenary prevalent in Mumbai Division. Later CLW manufactured WCM-5 class of locomotives, the first one coined “LOKMANYA” which were also added to the fleet of Electric Loco Shed (ELS), Kalyan.
Since Mumbai Division is surrounded by Ghat sections on both sides, Kalyan based locomotives perform the essential service of banking (providing additional power) for hauling mail/goods trains UP or Down the Ghat. In 1971, the newly built WCG-2 locomotives were provided which had dynamic braking features.
With the growing passenger segment of Indian Railways, the population of coaching locos were given a boost with BHEL manufactured WCAM-2P & WCAM-3 locomotives. Further, WCAG-1 locomotives were also introduced for the expanding goods services.
After 2007, the process of catenary conversion of Mumbai Division to AC was done in North Eastern Ghat and so WAG-7 & WAG-5 locomotives were introduced. Considering the capability of the team of ELS, Kalyan in ably handling various types of locomotives simultaneously, the latest technology, pure AC locomotive WAG-9 with IGBT Converter was added to its fleet.
As the need of coaching locos increased, from the year 2019, WAP-7 type locomotives are added to the fleet, at present ELS Kalyan having holding of 37 WAP/7 locomotives and more locos are adding to the fleet.
ELS, Kalyan is also the only Electric Loco Shed of Indian Railways that has Accident Relief Train (ART) & High Speed – Self Propelled Accident Relief Train (HS-SPART) as a part of its fleet. The renowned and capable break-down team of Kalyan ART has been often acknowledged for its efficiency during unusual happenings such as accidents, derailments etc. occurring over Mumbai Division.
Last year, ELS Kalyan played a major role in technological upgradation of Indian Railways in operating push pull technology in Rajdhani Express and HOG operated trains.
As the entire world is struggling with Covid -19 pandemic, to maintain the nation on track, ELS Kalyan played a major role to maintain the shed activities even in lockdown period and many such cases are highlighted up-to Railway Board and even Railway Minister appreciated the dedication of staff of ELS.
During the lockdown period, a team of dedicated staff work round the clock to monitor the loco movement, attention to defects reported from line etc. Further gradually the activities of shed restored to its normal working with better man-power & time management. To take care of our staff against Covid-19 pandemic, the following initiatives were taken by shed.
1. Re-usable face masks were prepared by our lady staff and distributed among the staff.
2. Sanitizer made in-house for shed use and it is even supplied to other departments such as hospital, RPF, S&T, Operation dept. etc.
3. Face shield was provided to all staff.
4. Temperature of all staff reporting for duty is being monitored.
5. Foot switch operated hand sanitizer dispensing system & hand wash facility developed in house.
6. By counselling of staff for proper use of face mask, ensuring safe distance, use of sanitizer from time to time, the cases of covid-19 were totally under control in shed.
At present shed is holding 211 locomotives. Presently 7 different types of locomotives are maintained in the shed. Holding of different types of locomotives are 53 nos. of WCAM-3, 20 nos. of WCAM-2, 12 nos. of WCAG-1, 56 nos. of WAG-7, 29 nos. WAG-9, 02 nos. of WCM-6 and 39 nos. of WAP-7. During last year, shed has commissioned 22 Nos. of WAP-7 locos, these WAP-7 locos are fitted with Hotel load convertor technology which is provided to supply electricity to coaches and eliminate the requirement of diesel and power car.
It is our endeavour to carry on this rich legacy of the Shed into the future so that our Shed becomes pride of not only Mumbai Division, but also the entire Indian Railways.