Patiala Locomotive Works hosts the 41st Electric Locomotive Maintenance Study Group (MSG) Meeting.

Patiala Locomotive Works, a proud unit of the Indian Railways, hosted the 41st Electric Locomotive Maintenance Study Group (MSG) Meeting on March 21st and 22nd, 2024, as per the directives of the Railway Board. Esteemed senior officers from various railways, alongside the Railway Board, including Shri Vijay Pratap Singh, Additional Member (Traction) Railway Board, graced the occasion, enriching the discussions with their invaluable insights.

The meeting centred on deliberating the challenges and opportunities in electric locomotive maintenance, with a keen focus on ensuring the seamless operation of the railway network. Recognising the indispensable role of locomotives in the railway ecosystem, officers engaged in productive discussions, sharing expertise and experiences to enhance maintenance practices and address operational hurdles.

Shri Pramod Kumar, Principal Chief Administrative Officer (PCAO), extended a warm welcome to the chief guest and participants, fostering an environment conducive to fruitful exchange of ideas. Shri Vijay Pratap Singh, additional member (Traction) of the of the Railway Board, emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges faced by the railway in maintaining electric locomotives.

Expressing gratitude, PCAO Shri Pramod Kumar thanked the chief guest and all officers for their valuable contributions, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the continued efficiency and reliability of the railway network.

The following day witnessed the exciting Loco cab competition at the PLW Workshop, where 13 3-phase electric locomotives from different railways were received. In the inspection conducted by Shri Vijay Partap Singh, Additional Member (Traction), Railway Board, and Shri Pramod Kumar, PCAO, Patiala, alongside Railway Board officers, six outstanding locos stood out among 13 locos. Trophies were awarded accordingly, with the top honours going to the Lalagoda Loco from South Central Railways and the Vatva Loco from Western Railway, recognised for their excellence in design and performance. The first runner-up positions were secured by the Ajni Loco from Central Railway and the Kanpur Loco from North Central Railway, while the second runner-up position was won by the Krishnaralpuram Loco from South Western Railway and the Arrakonam Loco from Southern Railway, as per remarkable innovation and efficiency. 

The 41st Electric Locomotive Maintenance Study Group Meeting concluded with a sense of optimism as participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing maintenance practices and upholding the highest standards of operational excellence.