Sabarmati Coaching Depot Gets Western Railway’s First Retractable OHE System

Ahmedabad: The Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot (SBT) of Western Railway has become the first coaching depot in the zone to receive a Retractable Rigid Overhead Conductor System (RRCS), a modern overhead electrification technology designed to improve safety and operational efficiency.

The retractable Overhead Equipment (OHE) system has been installed over a total length of 620 metres within the depot premises. The system is a motorised, pit-mounted overhead conductor arrangement designed for use in electrified railway coaching depots, locomotive sheds and loading sidings.

One of the key benefits of the new system is that Vande Bharat Express trains can now move into the coaching depot under their own electric power, eliminating the need for separate shunting engines for such movements.

Improved safety during maintenance

The RRCS system allows the overhead conductor to be mechanically retracted when required, providing adequate clearance for maintenance activities on the roofs of coaches.

Before roof-level maintenance, the OHE can be de-energised, isolated and properly earthed, reducing the risk of accidental electric shock to maintenance personnel.

Diesel shunting eliminated

With electric traction available inside the depot, coaches can be moved directly using electric power. This eliminates the requirement for diesel shunting locomotives for these operations.

The move is expected to reduce diesel consumption, smoke, noise and emissions within the depot premises.

Faster coach movement and turnaround

The new system will also enable coaches to be moved directly to maintenance lines, potentially reducing the time required for coach preparation and other depot operations.

The retractable arrangement provides operational flexibility, as the conductor can be retracted when maintenance or stabling activities require additional overhead clearance.

Western Railway said the installation of the RRCS at Sabarmati Coaching Depot represents a step towards improving safety, operational efficiency and environmental performance in railway maintenance facilities.