Experience better ventilation, air quality in WR locals with new ‘dust collection system’
The new system is far more effective than the portable vacuum cleaners which were in use till now (Representational Image, Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)
In a welcome news for suburban commuters, Western Railway has developed a dust collection system for the roof-mounted air handling units (AHUs) that can pump fresh air into the coaches of local trains, thereby improving air quality.
According to officials, ventilation inside the coaches was being affected as portable vacuum cleaners – which were in use till now – were incapable of completely removing dirt and grime out of these AHUs.
“The dust collection system will clean the AHU of dust and minute particles in a thorough manner which will increase its efficiency. More fresh air will be available inside coaches for the comfort of passengers, especially considering the fact that local trains are heavily crowded at most times of the day,” an official was quoted as saying.
The system, developed at WR’s EMU workshop in Mahalaxmi, is equipped with a vacuum pump of 2200 cubic metre/hour capacity, three-phase motor and a 150-metre long suction pipeline.
Apart from the operational benefits, the dust collection system is more effective as it can clean two to three AHUs simultaneously and coaches at 15 locations if placed adjacent to the tracks.
“It prevents environmental pollution and improves quality of air inside the coaches. It also helps maintenance staff as they don’t have to wear masks while cleaning AHUs,” said Ravinder Bhakar, chief public relations officer, WR.
The system was inaugurated by WR general manager A K Gupta on Sunday when the railways kickstarted its ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign.
On a related note, volunteers of Rotaract Club of KC College organised a cleanliness awareness drive at Churchgate station as a part of the campaign earlier today and presented flowers to responsible commuters.
