When purchasing a new vehicle, whether a car or any other mode of transport, one of the primary concerns is its mileage. Similarly, the mileage of trains in our country is also of significant interest. Let’s explore how much diesel is required to propel a train for a kilometre.
The Indian Railways operates various types of locomotives powered by diesel. These trains offer different mileage based on their categorisation, as well as factors such as weight, power and distance travelled.
For instance, a passenger train with 12 coaches requires only 6 litres of fuel to cover one kilometre. Similarly, even a superfast train with 24 coaches also consumes 6 litres to achieve a mileage of one kilometre. A 12-coach express train requires only 4.5 litres of fuel per kilometre for its operation. As per available data, no train in the Indian Railways currently achieves a mileage of one kilometre per litre of diesel.
The number of coaches or compartments in a train significantly influences its mileage. Trains with fewer compartments exert a lesser load on the engine, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Moreover, the type of train also affects its fuel efficiency. Passenger trains, for example, burn fuel more rapidly than express or superfast trains. This discrepancy arises from the frequent stops passenger trains make at short intervals along their routes. The necessity for frequent stops limits the locomotive’s ability to attain high speeds, leading to increased usage of the accelerator and brakes. Consequently, fuel consumption rises and mileage decreases. In contrast, express trains, with fewer stops, offer higher mileage as they can maintain consistent speeds for longer durations.
The mileage of trains in the Indian Railways system varies based on factors such as train type, number of coaches and operational requirements. Understanding these variables provides insights into the fuel efficiency of trains and their impact on overall operations.
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