BEML unveils diesel electric tower car for Railways

BEML has inaugurated the self-propelled 8-wheeler diesel electric inspection and maintenance OHE tower car (8W DETC) at its Bengaluru complex.

?The new 8W DETC has a good demand from Indian Railways and BEML has developed the product with indigenous technology, thus adding yet another prestigious product of BEML to comply with ?Make in India? policy of the government,? said DK Hota, Chairman and Managing Director, BEML during the flagging off ceremony.

The 8W DETC is an electric version self-propelled vehicle intended for use in Indian Railways for inspection, patrolling and maintenance of traction overhead equipment. It operates at a speed of 110 kmph, powered with two sets of under slung power packs, each comprising diesel engine of capacity 340 HP, traction alternator, power rectifier, axle-mounted traction motors, 20.32 tonne axle capacity bogie with air spring secondary suspension and panel mounted brake system. Earlier, BEML manufactured and supplied hydraulic version self-propelled vehicle for Indian Railways and metro corporations.

The tower car is equipped with a lifting and swivelling platform powered by DG set for maintenance of overhead equipment, provision for carrying all necessary equipment for maintenance. It also has the capability for a cable pay-out arrangement, portable generator-cum-welding machine for night operations. It boasts of a portable infra-red thermal imaging camera for monitoring the hot spot temperature of overhead equipment.

The vehicle has driver?s cabin with controls and digital display for power pack aggregates on either end to facilitate operation from any one of the cabins. Each cabin is provided with a heater for keeping the cab warm during winter season, intercom system for communication between operating staff/crew members and CCTV surveillance system to monitor the rooftop activities from cabin.