Central Railway begins commissioning for its first Scott Transformer in Kalaburagi

The Solapur Division of Central Railway has taken a significant step in the Indian Railways’ ongoing modernisation programme by initiating the commissioning process for the first Scott Transformer received in the entire Central Railway zone. The transformer is being installed at the upcoming Gaudgaon Traction Sub Station (TSS) in Kalaburagi district.

This is part of the major traction system upgrade from the existing 1×25 kV to the advanced 2×25 kV Auto Transformer (AT) feeding system on the Mumbai–Chennai Golden Quadrilateral route. This upgradation, a key component of the government’s Mission 3000 MT, is aimed at enhancing sectional speeds up to 160 kmph and enabling a freight loading capacity of 3000 million tonne (MT), thereby improving efficiency and reliability on one of India’s busiest corridors.

The commissioning process began after the Division completed a crucial track-crossing operation on December 4, between 12.30 p.m. and 3.15 p.m., near Gaudgaon station. The Gaudgaon TSS site can be accessed only by transporting heavy equipment across the railway tracks, making the operation both complex and strategically important.

During the three-hour exercise, a puller-and-trailer assembly weighing around 120 tonnes carried a 95/100 MVA Scott Transformer across the track without incident. Four trucks transporting 12.3 MVA Auto Transformers were also moved to the other side, marking a major logistical achievement for the Division. The Scott Transformer is the first of its kind to be deployed under this project and is part of six traction substations being set up in the Solapur Division – three each in the Daund–Solapur and Solapur–Wadi sections.

A coordinated team effort ensured the smooth execution of the operation. Senior railway officials and technical personnel from the Electrical Traction Distribution (TRD), Electrical Construction and Civil Engineering wings supervised the work on-site. A tower wagon positioned at the Gaudgaon loop line provided immediate technical support.

To manage the heavy haul and ensure line-side safety, the Division mobilised a comprehensive set of resources, including 24 labourers, six flagmen, two excavators, two pullers, a roller and a power pack. The meticulous planning and synchronised deployment of equipment enabled the team to complete the operation within the scheduled period.

Central Railway officials said the traction upgrade will substantially improve operational capability, reduce power losses and prepare the Golden Quadrilateral stretch for higher-speed and high-density freight movement in the years ahead.