South Western Railway Upgrades Fueling System with Automation

Bengaluru: The South Western Railway (SWR) Bangalore Division has announced a significant upgrade to its train fueling system with the introduction of automated technology. This new system, unveiled on Friday, will automate the diesel filling process for trains, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Yogesh Mohan, Divisional Railway Manager of South Western Railway, Bangalore, detailed that the new technology has been integrated into the engines and power cars (air-conditioned coaches) of the trains. This advancement results from a collaboration with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL), marking a significant step forward in rail operations.

Under the new system, each train’s diesel tank, with a capacity of 5,000 liters, will now be filled automatically. The system will also automatically shut off once the tank reaches its full capacity. Furthermore, fuel receipts will be printed immediately following the refueling process, providing a detailed record of the transaction.

The implementation of automated technology aims to streamline fuel management, reduce costs, and control waste. According to Mohan, this system will also help in swiftly identifying and addressing any issues related to fuel usage. The ability to access real-time data on fuel consumption will improve decision-making regarding fuel procurement, train operations, and route planning. Accurate tracking of fuel inventory and usage is expected to mitigate risks associated with fuel shortages or surpluses.

Ravi Shankar, General Manager of MRPL, noted the installation of two tanks, each with a capacity of 500,000 liters, at the station. With daily fuel consumption at 40,000 liters, these tanks will play a crucial role in supporting the new automated system.

The announcement was made in the presence of Additional Divisional Railway Manager Parikshit Mohan Puria, MRPL Deputy General Manager Nikhil Singh, and other officials from both organizations. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the train fueling process.