Wagon workshop relocated to Vishakapatnam after feasibility study: Railways

Railways decided to shift the proposed wagon POH (periodic overhauling) workshop from Kalahandi in Odisha to Vishakapatnam (Vadlapudi) in Andhra Pradesh, following a feasibility study, railway ministry has clarified.

The railway budget for the year 2013-14 had proposed the setting up of a wagon POH workshop in Kalahandi, Odisha. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) sent the proposal to the Railway Board in June 2013. However, during a scrutiny of the proposal certain problems were observed, the ministry said.

It was observed that the location was on the busy Vizianagaram-Titlagarh section, a very important line for freight movement. It is not a natural point for empty wagon arising and would lead to avoidable empty movement of wagons.

Water availability at the proposed location at Kalahandi was another factor that weighed in favour of moving to a new site. Besides, land would have to be acquired from the state government for setting up the workshop.

Accordingly, ECoR was advised to submit a detailed feasibility report in this regard. In the feasibility report it was concluded that due to operational ease, availability of Railway land, availability of water and cost benefits, Vishakhapatnam area was better suited for setting up of wagon POH workshop.

Setting up of the workshop in Vishakapatnam (Vadlapudi) has been sanctioned in the last years' Railway Budget, ie, 2015-16.