Saft Uses Nickel Technology In Backup Batteries For J&K Rail Tunnels

Saft Uses Nickel Technology In Backup Batteries For J&K Rail Tunnels

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, delivered backup batteries for critical safety systems in tunnels along a new stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar- Baramula Rail Link (USBRL). This battery is used between Banihal and Sangaldan towns in the Kashmir valley.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the new section of the USBRL in February 2024, laying importance on the importance and technical achievement of the building. The route crosses challenging terrain with intense seismic activity and where winter temperatures drop to -20 °C.

Railway technology manufacturer Autometers Alliance Ltd turned to Saft for more than 30 sets of ReGenPro batteries. The company would provide standby power for operations and safety systems in most of the tunnels on the railroad.

Saft’s ReGenPro batteries provided the autonomy needed for essential tunnel safety and communication systems. For instance, it provides lighting, emergency lighting, fire detection, data transmission systems, and electrical switchgear. In turn, this will ensure the continuity of services and the safety of passengers and train crews.

Nickel technology was selected over other chemistries because of its proven high reliability, low maintenance requirements, and long lifetime, and because Saft nickel technology is not susceptible to sudden death. In addition, the low-temperature capability cuts costs and emissions while simplifying installation by reducing substation heating requirements.

As well as the batteries, Saft also developed specially reinforced battery racks capable of withstanding intensive ground acceleration forces in the Seismic Zone 5 conditions found in the Kashmir-Jammu region.

Shirish Kulkarni, Saft India’s General Manager of Sales & Marketing, said, “The success of Saft’s backup batteries in the Kashmir-Jammu Rail tunnels has shown that our technology provides reliability, long life, and sustainability in the most demanding conditions. As a result, Indian Railways can limit maintenance and control operating costs in extremely remote sites.”

The new 48 km line from Banihal to Sangaldan features 16 bridges and 11 tunnels, which cover more than 43 km. These include the T50, India’s longest transport tunnel, which stretches 12.77 km. When the section enters full operation in late 2024, it will slash journey times by hours and provide reliable year-round passenger and freight services to boost the region’s economy, which is based on tourism and farming.