Bhubaneswar: Ahead of twin Polls in Odisha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has fulfilled a long standing demand of people from Western Odisha specially Bolangir district to set up a wagon workshop at Kantabanji, which was announced in 2010.
The Ministry of Railways has given the green signal for the establishment of a Wagon Periodic Overhauling (PoH) facility at Kantabanji, following the approval of Rs 244.77 Crore by the Railway Board.
This significant development comes after thorough consideration of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted in September 2023.
The proposed Wagon PoH workshop, with a capacity for 200 wagons, will be set up on the vacant land available with Railways at Kantabanji. This decision comes in response to the fervent demands of the local people, including public representatives, who have long advocated for such a facility in the region, railway officials said today.
Recognizing the critical need for such a workshop, Shri Vaishnaw had assured local people of his commitment to their aspirations. The approval from the Railway Board underscores the Government’s dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of citizens, they said.
The establishment of the Wagon PoH workshop holds several key benefits: It will increase the freight traffic in this region, regular Overhauling of Wagons will be maintained well for safe train operations. The life span of wagons will aid in rectifying the wagons which will lead to cost saving on replacements, the officials claimed.
These apart, the wagon maintenance will improve efficiency and reliability, resulting in better performance and reduced downtime. The establishment of the Wagon PoH workshop at Kantabanji underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure and ensuring the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the railway system.
