Indian Railways economizes electricity bill, reduces operating cost; Will save Rs 121 Cr yearly

Indian Railways Reduces Electricity Bill and Operating Cost Saving ₹ 121 Crore Yearly

With the goal of reducing the cost of electricity for traction, Indian Railways has commenced the flow of additional 50 MW power (total 100 MW) from Bhartiya Rail Bijli Company Limited (BRBCL) in the State of Bihar with effect from 28 November 2019, which is expected to lead to an annual saving of Rs 110 Crores per annum on a recurring basis.

New Delhi: With the goal of reducing the cost of electricity for traction, Indian Railways has commenced the flow of additional 50 MW power (total 100 MW) from Bhartiya Rail Bijli Company Limited (BRBCL) in the State of Bihar with effect from 28 November 2019, which is expected to lead to an annual saving of Rs 110 Crores per annum on a recurring basis.

Additional flow of 10 MW power from BRBCL has also been started in Rajasthan from 20 November 2019, which is expected to lead to savings of Rs 11.50 crores per annum.

Indian Railways takes about 1,475 MW of power under open access as deemed licensee in 11 states and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) area. These efforts have resulted in annual savings of over Rs 3,600 crores per annum and since the commencement of power flow under open access from November 2015 on business as usual mode, it has resulted into a total savings of over Rs 12,400 crores.

The BRBCL is a joint venture company of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Ministry of Railways to produce electricity for traction purpose to Railways at a low cost. It has equity participation of NTPC & Railways at 74% and 26% respectively.

Out of four units (each unit of 250 MW), power flow from three units of this plant has already been started for Indian Railways. The first unit started operation in January 2017. The main beneficiary of this plant is the Railways which gets 90% of the power produced and balance 10% power is given to the state of Bihar.


Image Courtesy: Saur Energy