Annoying blaring sounds and smoke from long-distance trains are almost a thing of the past on Central Railway, with the upgradation to the Head on Generation (HoG) technology. According to officials, the system is not just less polluting, but also saves on  cost.

The HoG system, which replaces the diesel locomotives, draws electricity from the overhead electric lines to run the train’s air conditioning, lights, fans, etc. Over the past year, Central Railway (CR) modified the technology of all 63 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches of 58 trains. Only three-four trains remain to be modified. This means an end to the blaring sound and smoke at the stations, which cause noise and air pollution. It also means one less generator car and saving on diesel,a senior official has been cited as saying.