Kolkata/Jamshedpur: The diamond jubilee anniversary of country�s first AC traction was celebrated at Dangoaposi, Chaibasa and Kendposi simultaneously. Many dignitaries were present on the occasion. They included P S Mishra, General Manager, South Eastern Railway, Chhatrasal Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Chakradharpur and heads of various departments.
Dangoaposi, Chaibasa and Kendposi stations were decorated and renovated with lights and flowers. A large number of Railway employees and local residents had assembled during the celebrations.
The first Electric Traction was started on 15th December, 1959 in the mining hub of Rajkharswan-Dangoaposi section of Chakradharpur Division. The first train on 25 KV alternating current (AC) traction ran on that day. With path breaking technological advancement, India became the second Asian country after Japan to adopt 25 KV AC traction. Today AC traction has spread over 30,000 km long route.
Indian Railways have now set an ambitious target for electrification of its entire network by the year 2022.
�Loading performance of Chakradharpur division is remarkably satisfactory. To generate more revenue earning freight, this kind of AC Electric Traction was set up in the loading area of Chakradharpur Division where Electric locomotives were used to haul freight trains.,� said a Railway spokesperson.