Railway Board Allocates ₹13.5 Crore for Infrastructure at Diesel Loco Shed in Tiruchi
The Railway Board in New Delhi has approved ₹13.5 crore to establish essential infrastructure for housing electric locomotives at the Diesel Loco Shed in Ponmalai, Tiruchi. This shed is currently undergoing a transition to become an electric locomotive maintenance shed.
To mark this development, the Divisional Railway Manager, Mr. Manish Agarwal, flagged off the 600th electric loco, which was recently maintained at the shed. During the event, Mr. Agarwal also held discussions with senior officials regarding the maintenance of electric locomotives at the shed.
In addition to inaugurating a CNC under-floor wheel lathe, specifically designed to re-profile worn-out wheels without dismantling them from the loco, Mr. Agarwal also participated in a mass tree plantation event. This event, organized under the Kurunkadugal scheme of the Tamil Nadu government, aimed to create a green belt in the area. Mr. Agarwal himself planted a sapling and oversaw the plantation of 375 more saplings.
The allocation of funds by the Railway Board is a significant step in furthering the establishment of necessary infrastructure at the Diesel Loco Shed to accommodate electric locomotives. With the transition in progress, the shed will be better equipped to carry out the maintenance and trip schedule of electric locos, ensuring efficient operations and service.
The installation of the CNC under-floor wheel lathe is particularly noteworthy, as it will allow for the effective re-profiling of worn-out wheels without the need for time-consuming dismantling. This will contribute to the shed’s capability to quickly and effectively maintain electric locomotives, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
Furthermore, the tree plantation event showcases the railways’ commitment to environmental conservation. By planting a large number of saplings, the shed aims to create a green belt, providing a host of benefits including improved air quality, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced aesthetics. This initiative aligns with the Kurunkadugal scheme of the Tamil Nadu government, which encourages sustainable practices and afforestation.
The allocation of funds and the ongoing efforts at the Diesel Loco Shed in Tiruchi demonstrate the railway’s commitment to modernizing their operations and embracing greener technologies. As electric locomotives become increasingly prevalent, it is crucial to have dedicated maintenance facilities equipped with the necessary infrastructure and machinery.
With the necessary funds now in place, the Diesel Loco Shed in Ponmalai is well on its way to becoming a state-of-the-art electric locomotive maintenance shed. This development will not only contribute to the efficient functioning of electric locos but also support the government’s initiatives towards a sustainable future.
Overall, the allocation of ₹13.5 crore by the Railway Board, the inauguration of the CNC under-floor wheel lathe, and the tree plantation event at the Diesel Loco Shed in Tiruchi highlight the ongoing efforts to modernize this facility and promote environmental conservation. These endeavors will undoubtedly benefit the railways and the local community, ensuring efficient operations and a greener future.
