Why Passengers In Electric Trains Don’t Get Electrocuted? Check Technology Used By Indian Railways

This wide connectivity makes train travel the go-to choice for many commuters across the country.

During the early days of Indian Railways, coal was the primary fuel, producing the heat needed to run the steam-engine powered trains. Fast forward to today, most trains now use electricity as the main source of power. These modern trains often feature metal bodies, primarily made of iron. This raises a common question: why the passengers and driver onboard electric trains get electrocuted.

Electric trains in India are powered by a formidable 25,000-volt current, a level of power that could be fatally destructive. But, when a train moves along the tracks, despite being electrically driven, it doesn’t directly touch this high-voltage current. Instead, only the train’s pantograph makes contact with this electricity, and there’s an insulator positioned between the train and the pantograph to prevent the electric current from spreading within the train. In addition to this measure, several other safety mechanisms are in place to shield the train from the potentially hazardous effects of electric current.

Inside the train, there are electrical outlets for charging phones and powering lights and fans. These outlets use a safe DC 110-volt current that doesn’t pose a risk of electric shock.

For those who are unaware, coal-powered trains had a significant presence in Uninted States, spanning 175 years, starting in the 1830s. They played a crucial role in propelling America’s westward expansion and powering the industrial revolution.

In addition, the steam engine train holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest rolling locomotive and is rightfully considered a heritage train. Its journey began in 1855 and continued until 1908. But with the advancement of modern technology and the introduction of faster trains, its regular operations came to a halt.