ECoR enhances Odisha's industrial capacity with new freight facility

Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: In a significant development aimed at enhancing infrastructure and meeting the rising industrial demands of Western and Southern Odisha, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has inaugurated a Freight Train Examination and Routine Overhauling (ROH) Facility at Sarla Station.

This project, completed in June 2024, involved an investment of approximately ₹200 Crores and was carried out by RITES Ltd. in collaboration with the Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) of the Sambalpur Division.

The Sambalpur Division, one of the fastest-growing areas in Indian Railways, is crucial for supporting key industries such as steel, aluminum, and coal. The new freight depot at Sarla station aims to improve operational efficiency and support industrial growth in the region. Previously, the lack of a nearby freight examination facility required rakes to be inspected at distant locations, impacting operational efficiency.

Project Highlights:

New Facilities:

RITES Ltd. developed new facilities including an ROH shed, a G+1 station building, an electric substation, offices, a trainee hostel, and two examination lines at a cost of ₹160 Crores. These facilities were commissioned in June 2024.

The GSU unit added one additional loop line and two freight examination lines at an estimated cost of ₹40 Crores, with full electrification completed in August 2024.

Advanced Yard Remodeling:

The Sarla yard underwent remodeling with 64 new turnouts, 10.4 TKM of new tracks, and the conversion of PI to distributed EI (Kyosan make), with 195 routes commissioned. The project was executed with minimal disruption to freight operations.

Operational Commencement:

The new Sarla yard was commissioned on 14th June 2024, with freight train examinations starting on 25th June 2024. The first ROH outturn was achieved on 13th August 2024.

Capacity and Performance Enhancement:

The yard can handle 90-100 train examinations and ROH for 100 wagons monthly, boosting loading performance, enhancing safety, and reducing the Turn Around Time (TAT) of BTAP (aluminum-carrying wagons) by 30%.

Outsourcing Operations:

In a first for Indian Railways, the ROH and sick line operations are managed under a complete outsourcing model, with a minimal departmental staff ensuring efficient freight depot operations.

Impact on Regional Economy:

The new freight depot at Sarla station is expected to drive economic growth in the Sambalpur region by attracting industrial and commercial activities and creating job opportunities. Its proximity to major industrial hubs like Jharsuguda and nearby sidings will enhance operational efficiency in freight operations.

With this new facility, East Coast Railway is poised to support the growing industrial landscape of Odisha, contributing to regional economic prosperity and ensuring smoother, more efficient freight operations across the Indian Railways network.