Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Reviews Safety Measures and Innovation at Mumbai’s Wadi Bunder Depot
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently paid a visit to the Central Railway’s Wadi Bunder coaching depot in Mumbai. The purpose of the visit was to assess the facility’s safety measures and review its efforts towards innovation in rail operations. The Wadi Bunder depot, with its establishment dating back to 1860, holds a significant position in the Central Railway network and is responsible for maintaining rakes of over 30 mail-express trains, including the prestigious Vande Bharat Express.
Focusing on Infrastructure Upgrades and Passenger Safety
During his inspection, Vaishnaw closely evaluated the infrastructure of the Wadi Bunder depot and discussed plans for future upgrades aimed at enhancing service reliability, cleanliness, and overall passenger safety. The minister was particularly impressed with the depot’s “best from waste” exhibition, which showcased innovative approaches to maintaining cleanliness, including an in-house designed litter collector.
Moreover, the Railways Minister demonstrated the use of advanced cleaning equipment, such as the Dyson vacuum cleaner utilized in the “14-minute miracle” cleaning process for the Vande Bharat Express. This emphasized his commitment to providing a comfortable and clean environment for passengers.
To further enhance ride comfort and safety, Vaishnaw inspected improvements made to Linke Hofmann Busch LHB coaches, including the installation of TPU rings to reduce spring failures. Additionally, he observed the use of technology in ensuring operational safety, such as advanced tools like the ultra-sonic air leakage detection system and the FIBA Flushing Indicator and Brake Application system, which are already enhancing safety on trains like the Rajdhani Express.
Embracing Technology for Staff Training and Passenger Convenience
During his visit, the Railways Minister was briefed on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for staff training and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT)-based real-time water level monitoring systems. These technologies contribute to uninterrupted and reliable access to clean water for passengers.
Vaishnaw also dedicated time to visiting the Vande Bharat store and the basic training center, where he inspected in-house models used for LHB coach training. He expressed his satisfaction with the Rail Madad team, which handles passenger grievances, for their commendable service.
A Focus on Fire Safety Preparedness
As part of the visit, the minister paid specific attention to the depot’s fire safety preparedness, including a new app that has been developed to ensure efficient management of fire extinguisher maintenance. These measures further strengthen safety at the facility, ensuring the well-being of both staff and passengers alike.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to the Wadi Bunder coaching depot in Mumbai highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and innovation in the Indian railway system. With plans for upgrading infrastructure, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing cleanliness, the Central Railway network is poised to provide an improved experience for its passengers while continuously striving for excellence.
