East Coast Railway Commissions Freight Train Examination and Overhauling Facility in Sambalpur
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has recently unveiled a new Freight Train Examination and Routine Overhauling (ROH) facility at Sarla Station in Sambalpur. The project, executed by RITES Ltd. in collaboration with the Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) of the Sambalpur Division, aims to strengthen infrastructure and meet the growing industrial demands of Western and Southern Odisha.
Completion of Construction and Inauguration
The Sarla yard development project was completed in June 2024, with a total investment of approximately Rs 2 billion. The facility’s commissioning took place on 14th June 2024, marking an important milestone for ECoR. Freight train examinations began on 25th June 2024 and the first ROH outturn was achieved on 13th August 2024.
Key Role of Sambalpur Division
According to ECoR officials, the Sambalpur Division is renowned as one of the fastest-growing divisions in the Indian Railways. It plays a pivotal role in serving key industries in the region such as steel, aluminium, and coal sectors. The introduction of the freight depot at Sarla Station aims to improve operational efficiency and support the area’s industrial growth.
Essential Upgrades and Added Facilities
RITES Ltd. has constructed a new G+1 station building at Sarla’s ROH shed, along with an electric substation, various offices, a trainee hostel, and two examination lines. The total cost incurred for these additions is estimated to be Rs 160 crores. Additionally, the GSU unit developed one new loop line and two freight examination lines, with electrification of these lines completed in August 2024 at a cost of around Rs 400 million.
Significant Improvements at Sarla Yard
During the remodeling process, 64 new turnouts and 10.4 TKM (track-kilometer) of new tracks were incorporated into the Sarla yard. To enhance efficiency, the conversion of PI to distributed EI of Kyosan make was carried out on 195 routes.
Boost in Performance and Efficiency
ECoR sources have stated that the Sarla yard has the capacity to handle 90 to 100 train examinations and the ROH of 100 wagons per month. As a result, it is expected to significantly augment loading performance, enhance safety standards, and reduce the Turn Around Time (TAT) of BTAP aluminium-carrying wagons by 30 percent.
Outsourcing the Operational Model
Interestingly, it is worth mentioning that the ROH and sick line work at Sarla Station are being curated solely under an outsourcing model – a unique occurrence within the Indian Railways. With a minimal departmental staff, the freight depot is expected to operate efficiently.
The successful establishment of the Freight Train Examination and ROH facility at Sarla Station is sure to amplify the capabilities of the Sambalpur Division in serving the region’s industrial demand, while also bolstering the overall rail infrastructure. With the efficient functioning of the yard, key industries can look forward to improved operations and heightened growth in the Western and Southern regions of Odisha.
