Indian Railways : Why do railway engines not turn off while being idle for long periods of time? This topic is frequently raised by train passengers who remark that trains can remain stopped for hours without shutting down their combustion chambers.
Most individuals are accustomed to turning off their vehicles’ engines at traffic lights, especially if they anticipate waiting for more than two minutes. This method is thought to conserve fuel and minimize air pollution. The situation is different for trains, which frequently keep their engines running even during extended stops.
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Indian Railways Experts give various technical reasons for this strategy.
Experts give various technical reasons for this strategy. For starters, restarting a train’s diesel engine uses more gasoline than just keeping it going. Starting the engine requires time and gasoline, with a diesel engine taking more than half an hour to warm up. Once running, the fuel required to keep it functioning can last up to eight hours. As a result, it is more efficient for loco pilots to keep the engine running even when the train is inactive for hours.
This method is also followed by electric trains. Once they have begun their voyage, they must be ready to move as soon as they get a signal. Turning off the engine would increase the response time, making it impracticable. Furthermore, continually turning the engine on and off might cause technical problems and severe damage to the machinery.
Another key consideration is the air system, which is built into the engine. This system charges the train’s brakes. When the engine is shut off, the air pressure drops, risking brake failure. Once the air is released, the system may take 30 minutes to an hour to fully recharge. Keeping the engine running minimizes this downtime and ensures that the train is ready to go.
In some circumstances, such as when freight trains wait for hours, loco pilots prefer to keep the engine running. The priority is to keep the train ready to proceed at a moment’s notice when an alert is received.
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