WR PROPOSES ₹176CR UPGRADE OF LOWER PAREL WORKSHOP

MUMBAI: In a bid to improve infrastructure and modify the 148-year-old Lower Parel workshop, the western railway (WR) has proposed an upgradation costing ₹176 crore. The move aims to improve quality in maintenance of outstation trains and development of automatic painting booths for the trains, along with improving the condition of the 14-acre workshop.

The proposal has been cleared by the WR headquarters and will be sent to the Railway Board, the apex body for all zonal railways, for final approval.

The Lower Parel workshop primarily manufactures elements required in operations of trains across India and also undertakes Periodic Overhaul (POH) of outstation trains. This involves annual maintenance with detailed inspection of these trains.

Modification of the workshop will witness introduction of new technology, which in turn would save time for the POH of trains.

Currently, 25 days are required for POH of a single coach of an outstation train. After modification, it will be completed within 20 days.

“The upgradation of the workshop will result in improving quality for ensuring safe running of coaches. Machines that will be introduced include cranes, blasting machines and modern welding machines,” said Ravinder Bhakar, chief public relations officer, WR. The workshop also houses one of the oldest functioning tower clocks dating back to 1890s.

As part of the upgradation, railway officials will give a heritage look to the area around the clock.