Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards improving the efficiency and operations of the steel industry, East Coast Railway (ECoR) organized a comprehensive workshop here today to assess the evolving requirements of the steel sector.
Chaired by the General Manager of East Coast Railway,Parameshwar Funkwal, the event brought together key stakeholders, including delegates from major steel manufacturers, logistics experts, and representatives from the Railway Board and the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Railway officials said.
The workshop was aimed at fostering closer collaboration between the steel industry and the railways to address challenges related to transportation logistics, improve operational efficiency, and enhance overall safety in the movement of steel consignments.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the exploration of new wagon designs to improve throughput, increase cost-efficiency, and make wagons more versatile to handle various types of steel products, the officials said.
With the increasing demand for safe and secure transportation of steel, the workshop focused on strategies to enhance safety measures and minimize damage or losses during transit, ensuring that consignments reach their destination intact, they said.
Steel manufacturers, including Tata Steel Ltd., Jindal Stainless Ltd., NMDC Steel Ltd., Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Bhushan Power & Steel Limited, and TM International Logistics, actively participated in an open forum where they shared operational challenges and offered valuable suggestions for improving rail connectivity and services.
The General Manager of ECoR emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between the railways and the steel sector to meet the growing demand for steel and ensure timely deliveries.
The meeting also highlighted the commitment of East Coast Railway to streamline processes such as loading, unloading, and wagon turnaround times within the ECoR jurisdiction, ensuring smooth operations and reducing delays.
It was decided at the meeting to enhance coordination between the steel plants, the railway network, and state authorities to speed up approvals for critical projects. Continued focus will be given to improving safety measures and ensuring efficient transit solutions for the steel industry, they said.
Meanwhile, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has approved 170 Road over Bridge (ROB) projects as special railway projects under the provisions of the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008.
This landmark decision is set to accelerate the execution of these vital infrastructure projects, which will help streamline the land acquisition process and enable faster approvals, officials said.
By designating these projects as special railway projects, ECoR aims to facilitate smoother coordination with state authorities, ensuring timely completion and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Out of the 170 projects, 110 will be located in Odisha, while 60 will be in Andhra Pradesh. These ROBs will not only improve rail infrastructure but also significantly enhance the safety and convenience of both road and rail users, they said.
The elimination of manned level crossings will reduce the risk of accidents, contribute to smoother traffic flow, and allow for better mobility of train operations.
These projects are also expected to alleviate traffic congestion at level crossing gates, promoting seamless connectivity across the region.
By focusing on public safety and infrastructure development, the 170 ROB projects align with the national goals of expanding and modernizing transportation systems while enhancing public welfare.