Bhubaneswar: In a significant leap towards enhancing railway infrastructure and supporting the burgeoning industrial sector in Western and Southern Odisha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has commissioned a new Freight Train Examination and Routine Overhauling (ROH) Facility at Sarla Station in the Sambalpur Division. This milestone project, completed by RITES Ltd. in partnership with the Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) of the Sambalpur Division, represents an investment of approximately ₹200 Crores and was finalized in June 2024.
The Sambalpur Division, known for its rapid growth within the Indian Railways network, is a vital link serving key industries such as steel, aluminum, and coal. The establishment of the freight depot at Sarla Station is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and support the industrial growth of the region. Previously, the lack of a nearby freight train examination facility necessitated sending rakes to distant locations for inspection, causing delays and reducing operational efficiency.
Project Highlights:
- New Infrastructure:
The project involved the construction of a state-of-the-art ROH shed, a new G+1 station building, an electric substation, offices, a trainee hostel, and two examination lines, all developed at a cost of ₹160 Crores by RITES Ltd. These facilities were officially commissioned in June 2024. Additionally, the GSU unit constructed an extra loop line and two freight examination lines at a cost of ₹40 Crores, with full electrification completed in August 2024. - Yard Remodeling:
The Sarla yard underwent advanced remodeling, featuring the installation of 64 new turnouts and 10.4 TKM of new tracks. The conversion of PI to distributed EI of Kyosan make, with 195 routes commissioned, was another key aspect of the yard’s transformation. This meticulous planning and execution ensured that the new infrastructure was developed with minimal disruption to ongoing freight operations. - Operations Commencement:
The revamped Sarla yard was successfully commissioned on June 14, 2024, with freight train examinations starting on June 25, 2024. The first ROH output was achieved on August 13, 2024. - Increased Capacity:
The facility now has the capacity to handle 90-100 train examinations and the ROH of 100 wagons per month. This enhancement is expected to significantly boost loading performance while improving safety and reducing the Turn Around Time (TAT) of BTAP (aluminum-carrying wagons) by 30%. - Outsourced Operations:
In a pioneering move for Indian Railways, the ROH and sick line operations at Sarla are being managed entirely on an outsourced model, with a minimal departmental staff overseeing the efficient operation of the freight depot.
Impact on Regional Economy:
The commissioning of the Sarla freight depot is poised to stimulate economic growth in the Sambalpur region by attracting increased industrial and commercial activities. The facility’s proximity to major industrial hubs such as Jharsuguda and adjacent sidings enhances the operational efficiency of freight services, thereby contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Odisha.
With the operationalization of the new Sarla yard, East Coast Railway is now better equipped to support the expanding industrial landscape of Odisha. This development not only strengthens the regional economy but also ensures smoother and more efficient freight operations across the Indian Railways network, solidifying ECoR’s role in India’s infrastructural growth.
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