en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hirect has successfully integrated and tested its self-developed 6000 HP electric locomotive traction system under full-load operating conditions, marking a critical step for the company in providing complete heavy-haul railway traction solutions to the Indian and international markets.
The test utilized a WAG-9 electric locomotive hauling a fully loaded freight train, validating the performance, reliability, and integration capabilities of the system fully designed, developed, and manufactured by Hirect. The traction package includes several key components developed in-house by Hirect: the traction inverter and converter system, traction controller, control software, cab control and display interface, and liquid-cooled IGBT traction converter. This vertical integration approach enables Hirect to supply complete traction subsystems rather than individual components, enhancing flexibility for locomotive manufacturers, railway operators, and retrofit projects.
Designed to withstand demanding railway operating conditions, including the high temperatures and heavy duty cycles common in the Indian railway network, the traction system utilizes a custom liquid-cooled Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) converter combined with proprietary software developed by its engineering team. The successful full-load operation demonstrates the system's ability to deliver reliable traction power for heavy freight. This milestone highlights Hirect's growing expertise in advanced railway electrification and power electronics, areas that are becoming increasingly important as railway operators seek more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.
Industry experts consider this development a significant advancement for both new locomotive manufacturing and modernization programs. The modular architecture of the traction platform allows it to be used in new electric locomotive projects, locomotive retrofit programs, hybrid locomotive development, alternative energy railway platforms, and fuel-efficient freight operations. The system's adaptability supports future decarbonization initiatives while improving operational efficiency and reducing lifecycle costs for railway operators.
Following the successful test, Hirect plans to showcase its complete traction subsystem capabilities to the international railway industry at Railway Interchange 2026, to be held from June 2 to 4, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. The company will engage with vehicle manufacturers, railway operators, powertrain developers, and technology experts, demonstrating how its traction technology can contribute to hybrid, fuel-efficient, and decarbonized railway transportation projects globally.
Mr. Suramya Nevatia, Chairman of Hirect, stated that achieving flawless dynamic operation and hauling a fully loaded freight train using the proprietary traction system is a significant milestone. He anticipates that the system, along with its custom modifications, will add value and flexibility for retrofitters and innovators designing next-generation alternative energy, hybrid, and fuel-efficient diesel-to-electric locomotive platforms in the North American region.
Founded in 1958 in collaboration with Westinghouse Brake & Signal, UK, Hirect has become a leading manufacturer of power semiconductors, power electronics, traction transformers, auxiliary converters, and traction systems for railway and industrial applications. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company operates world-class manufacturing facilities and serves railway transportation projects in multiple global markets. The successful full-load test of the Hirect 6000 HP traction system marks the company's transition from a component supplier to a complete traction technology provider, a achievement that solidifies its position in advancing efficient, modern, and future-oriented railway transportation solutions.
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