Concord Control Systems has introduced India’s first indigenously made zero-emission rail propulsion system, achieving a milestone that showcases the company’s commitment to sustainable development and meeting the vision of Indian Railways of full electrification by 2030.

Concord Control Systems launches zero-emission rail technology
Photo: Concord Control Systems

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Concord Control Systems provides sustainable rail development

The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery-powered propulsion system replaces idling diesels with a chopper-powered drive that occurs on the engine on demand. It reduces energy loss and provides superior efficiency than the typical fuel-based propulsion systems.

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In addition, nearly all of the key subsystems—each of the chopper, Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), driver display, sensors, and controllers—were locally designed and manufactured. Few semiconductor devices were imported, which indicates the native design capability of the system.

“By employing LFP batteries and sophisticated control, we have come up with a platform that not only reduces emissions, but also lowers the cost of operations to the railway operators,” — says a Concord Control Systems engineering spokesman.

Concord Control Systems drives locomotive modernisation

The propulsion has been retrofitted on a 700 HP diesel-electric ship, delivering 800A peak current to traction drives. The system integrates high-voltage battery operation, CAN-based VCUs, and fibre-optic EMI-proof signal transmission.

Safety features also come with digital driver displays, CCTV surveillance, as well as a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) that facilitates predictive maintenance. Thus, operators can enjoy increased reliability, lower idle losses, and greater operational control.

“It is a proud moment not only for Concord, but also the entire innovation ecosystem of the country. By offering the country the very first 100 percent indigenous Zero Emission Propulsion System, we are meeting the twin missions of sustainable mobility and self-reliance,” — Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems stated.

The company described the propulsion system as one that can be used to convert diesel-powered locomotives into clean, zero-emission platforms. But beyond the environmental benefit, it also offers long-term cost effectiveness and greater efficiency, attributes that appeal to operators.

About the manufacturer: Concord Control Systems

It has been established since 2011 and is headquartered in Lucknow, India. Concord Control Systems Limited, which can be simply called CCSL, is the largest provider of electrical and electronic railway items globally. The company produces and designs various items such as electronic control panels, ventilators, emergency lights, and inter-vehicle couplers.

It is certified by the Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) and also by ISO 9001:2015. It also has infrastructure that includes in-house R&D, printed circuit board assembly, fabrication of transformers, test labs, and a product development unit.

Financially, the company has grown tremendously, becoming very lucrative with low debt, and is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. It has, in 2025, disclosed a merger of the company with subsidiary company Advanced Rail Controls Pvt Ltd to boost specialization in propulsion and signaling systems.

This strong industrial foundation allows Concord Control Systems to be a component supplier as well as the future solutions provider of the electrified railway future of India.

Zeemission propulsion market conditions and competitors

India is quickly growing its green railway initiatives, investing both in electrification and experimental hydrogen locomotive projects inside Indian Railways. These efforts reflect the country’s broader push towards sustainable transport and technological self-determination.

Whereas global majors such as Siemens, Stadler, and Alstom also develop zero-emission technologies such as hydrogen-based trains and battery-electrics, the uniqueness is that the propulsion of Concord Control Systems is of entirely Indian origin, thought of and produced within India with minimal import dependence.

“Indian net-zero railways will be a case of mass electrification and game-changing technologies as well. Local initiatives like this prove that indigenous innovations can sit alongside the likes of Siemens and Alstom,” — remarked an Indian Railways Institute industry analyst.

Hence, the company’s success is remarkable not just by virtue of technological timeliness but also by virtue of supporting India’s policy of self-reliance. In situating itself on par with global competitors, the company emphasizes that indigenous innovation can be on par with the world and still fulfill local market requirements.

Source: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com

How does Concord Control Systems contribute to the rail electrification of India?

Concord Control Systems developed the country’s first entirely indigenous zero-emission rail propulsion system, which matches the Indian Railways’ target of achieving 100% electrification by 2030.

In what ways does the propulsion system improve efficiency above diesel engines?

The system is powered by batteries and operates on demand alone, evading fuel consumption during idling phases, reducing emissions, and meeting the improvement of the rail operations’ efficacy.

Are the locomotives today upgradeable with the propulsion system?

Indeed. The propulsion can be retrofitted on diesel-electric platforms, which gives operators an economic pathway to upgrade old locomotives to new-age, zero-emission assets with advanced safety and monitoring features.

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