Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

05 Sep 2025 CW Team

Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.

What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for a few semiconductor devices, all critical components—including the chopper, Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), driver display, sensors, and controllers—were engineered and manufactured by CCSL. It also introduces global technological firsts such as high-voltage battery integration with choppers, CAN-based VCUs, and fibre-optic EMI-immune signal transmission.

The system, retrofitted on a 700 HP diesel-electric platform, delivers 800A peak current to traction motors while integrating advanced features like driver-friendly digital displays, CCTV/DVR monitoring, and a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) for predictive maintenance and real-time diagnostics.

Sadasivan V, Principal Executive Director, Advanced Rail, said: “This propulsion system is proof that India can lead in next-generation rail technology. With this achievement, we have set a reference point that will guide the industry towards sustainable, cost-efficient, and self-reliant solutions.”

Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems, added: “This development is a proud moment not only for Concord but for India’s innovation ecosystem as a whole. By delivering the country’s first 100 per cent indigenous Zero Emission Propulsion System, we are advancing the twin goals of sustainable mobility and self-reliance, while supporting Indian Railways’ target of 100 per cent electrification by 2030.”

By cutting idle fuel losses, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency, this breakthrough provides a scalable pathway for converting existing diesel locomotives into sustainable, zero-emission platforms. With this milestone, Concord Control Systems has reinforced its role as a pioneer in Indian railway technology, driving the nation toward a cleaner, more self-reliant future. By cutting idle fuel losses, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency, this breakthrough provides a scalable pathway for converting existing diesel locomotives into sustainable, zero-emission platforms. With this milestone, Concord Control Systems has reinforced its role as a pioneer in Indian railway technology, driving the nation toward a cleaner, more self-reliant future.

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for a few semiconductor devices, all critical components—including the chopper, Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), driver display, sensors, and controllers—were engineered and manufactured by CCSL. It also introduces global technological firsts such as high-voltage battery integration with choppers, CAN-based VCUs, and fibre-optic EMI-immune signal transmission.The system, retrofitted on a 700 HP diesel-electric platform, delivers 800A peak current to traction motors while integrating advanced features like driver-friendly digital displays, CCTV/DVR monitoring, and a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) for predictive maintenance and real-time diagnostics.Sadasivan V, Principal Executive Director, Advanced Rail, said: “This propulsion system is proof that India can lead in next-generation rail technology. With this achievement, we have set a reference point that will guide the industry towards sustainable, cost-efficient, and self-reliant solutions.”Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems, added: “This development is a proud moment not only for Concord but for India’s innovation ecosystem as a whole. By delivering the country’s first 100 per cent indigenous Zero Emission Propulsion System, we are advancing the twin goals of sustainable mobility and self-reliance, while supporting Indian Railways’ target of 100 per cent electrification by 2030.” By cutting idle fuel losses, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency, this breakthrough provides a scalable pathway for converting existing diesel locomotives into sustainable, zero-emission platforms. With this milestone, Concord Control Systems has reinforced its role as a pioneer in Indian railway technology, driving the nation toward a cleaner, more self-reliant future. By cutting idle fuel losses, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency, this breakthrough provides a scalable pathway for converting existing diesel locomotives into sustainable, zero-emission platforms. With this milestone, Concord Control Systems has reinforced its role as a pioneer in Indian railway technology, driving the nation toward a cleaner, more self-reliant future.

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