Western Railway has always encouraged greener technology in various ways, be its efforts through the Push-Pull project or installation of solar panels to save energy and conserve the environment. Continuing with these efforts, Western Railway has recently commissioned two Automatic Coach Washing Plants (ACWP) at Bandra Terminus Coaching Depot and Gandhidham Coaching Depot.
- The plant helps in minimizing time, water and man power to complete the washing process of the entire train effectively.
- Due to the automation and efficiency of these plants, it is expected that this will lead to savings of approx. Rs.50 lakhs per year in external washing cost for the depots.
- According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the ACWP at Bandra Terminus Coaching Depot & Gandhidham Coaching Depot have automatic tracking of train movement and washing speed of 5-8 kmph.
- It requires a maximum 60 ltr per coach of fresh water, which is 80% less as compared to manual washing.
- The fresh water intake of the plant is only 20% and 80% of water used for washing is recycled in each washing cycle.
- The plants are extremely efficient in utilization of time & water since the end-to-end cycle time for cleaning a 24-coach train is merely 10 minutes.
- The Automatic Coach Washing Plant is an environment friendly and cost- effective option and a great step towards automation in train maintenance.
Inspection of Ratlam Division:
- Meanwhile, Shri Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Railway during his recent two-day visit to Ratlam Division, conducted inspection of various key parameters of passenger conveniences and reviewed the progress of ongoing developmental works of Ratlam Division.
- Shri Kansal inaugurated facilities at Divisional Railway Hospital & Diesel Loco Shed at Ratlam.
- He also conducted Window Trailing Inspection of Ratlam-Palia as well as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar-Kalakund sections.
- GM was accompanied by Divisional Railway Manager & concerned branch officers of Ratlam Division.
- According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, on the first day of inspection to Ratlam Division, the General Manager reviewed the progress of works pertaining to safety and security along with other developmental works.
- Shri Kansal inaugurated the newly commissioned Self-Propelled Inspection vehicle at Ratlam station which shall be very useful in carrying out safety inspections on busy route.
- GM also inspected the Divisional Railway Hospital at Ratlam and inaugurated the newly developed PSA based oxygen generator plant with a production capacity of 500 liters LMO per minute, Modular Operation Theatre as well asPortable X-Ray Machine.
- He also inspected the existing Oxygen Plant, ICU Store, Physiotherapy Room & also interacted with Indoor & OPD patients.
- He directed the CMS for improving OPD services & reducing waiting time.
- Thereafter, GM visited the Diesel Loco Shed, Ratlam for inspection.
- Shri Kansal took stock of various technical aspects in detail with the officers present and emphasized on expediting the various infrastructural related work.
- GM inaugurated various facilities such as the Electrical Loco Model Room, Reverse Test Bench, Electrical Loco Gallery, Quality Assurance Cell.
- He also inspected the Diesel Traction Training Centre and various other sections of the Diesel Shed.
- Shri Kansal appreciated the curtain water fountain developed by the Loco Shed staff.
- Later, he flagged off the modified Electrical Loco 23383-WAG5H which was then pressed into service.
- GM laid emphasis on Quality, Unit cost concept of production.
Source: Western Railway-Press Release
