Thrissur: The batteries of coaches in trains that have been lying idle in stations are running out of charge. Now crores of rupees will have to spent to restart train traffic in the country.
There are four batteries in each train coach. They have been fixed in a box under the train. Since there is no shield protecting it, the circuit can get damaged due to moisture. The electricity for the fans, lights and AC are taken from these batteries.
This problem arises only in the old coaches. Since there are no batteries in the modern LHB coaches, this is not an issue. Electricity is generated through the generators fixed on the two ends of these coaches.
Since the trains are not being used at all, there would be problems with its breaks and wheel bearings as well. Railways will have to bear more expense if these have to be changed as well.
If these rakes (formation of interlinked coaches) were used at least once every week, such a liability would not have taken place. Kochi Metro has been running all its rakes in view of the possible danger.
- Total batteries in a coach- 4
- Batteries no longer useful- 2,16,000
- Cost of a battery as per tender- Rs 5000
- Expected cost if all batteries have to be replaced- Rs 108 crore
- No of coaches not being used- 54,000
- Total no of passenger coaches in the country- 74,000
