Concord Control Systems Limited (CCSL), India’s leading manufacturer of embedded electronics systems and critical electronic solutions through its Advanced Rail Division, announced India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system. Designed and built entirely in India, this breakthrough highlights India’s engineering capabilities towards the nation’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions and complete railway electrification by 2030.
The propulsion system is powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and features a DC chopper-based drive. Unlike conventional diesel engines that idle continuously and consume fuel, Concord’s system operates only when required, delivering significant fuel savings, higher efficiency, and zero emissions.
What makes this development exceptional is its complete indigenous design. Except for a few semiconductor devices, every critical component, including the chopper, Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), driver display, sensors, and controllers, has been designed and manufactured by Concord Control Systems. The system also introduces several technological firsts, such as high-voltage battery integration with choppers, CAN-based Vehicle Control Units, and fibre-optic EMI-immune signal transmission. This makes it a pioneering achievement not just in India but globally.
Speaking on this milestone, Mr. Sadasivan V., Principal Executive Director at 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.”
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, said, “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% indigenous Zero Emission Propulsion System, we are advancing the twin goals of sustainable mobility and self-reliance, while supporting Indian Railways’ target of achieving 100% electrification by 2030.”
The propulsion, retrofitted on a 700 HP diesel-electric platform, delivers 800A peak current to traction motors while integrating modern safety and efficiency features. These include driver-friendly digital displays, CCTV/DVR monitoring, and a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) for predictive maintenance and real-time diagnostics. Together, these advancements reflect India’s capability to deliver safe, reliable, and next-generation rail technology without reliance on imported designs.
