Ajni 12000 horse power Depot will soon maintain 250 locomotives every year
Also after Saharanpur, Ajni Depot is being developed as one of the most comprehensive maintenance units for about 12,000 HP locomotives in the country.
Nagpur: The nearly 12,000 horse power (HP) maintenance depot at Ajni is about to become fully capable of turning out 250 locomotives annually in the next about two years. The depot is currently being jointly developed and managed by the Ministry of Railways and the private company Alstom, which also manufactures high-powered modern locomotives.
Also after Saharanpur, Ajni Depot is being developed as one of the most comprehensive maintenance units for about 12,000 HP locomotives in the country.
Spread over 17 acres, the depot is also currently managing the maintenance work of 26 locomotives. And the depot was also inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid much fanfare.
Official sources of Central Railway (CR) have also said that Ajni Depot is going to induct 50 locomotives by the month of March this year. “In 2023-24, the Ajni depot will be able to accommodate 100 more locomotives and an additional 100 by 2024-25,” the official said adding The day-to-day work is also monitored by senior officers under Divisional Railway Manager, Nagpur Division, Richa Khare. “In the past, this area was a crime-prone place and used to be desolate, which people avoided. Now, it has become a thriving unit where many local people are also employed.” Railway official said.
Authorities have developed the unit in a sustainable manner
Sources have also said on this that the depot, built in about 8,000 square meters, has about 2 km of track inside it and also has a godown of about 1,777 square meters.
Other prominent features of Ajni Depot are a modern bogie washing plant, a paint shop, overhead cranes, specialized equipment and fixtures, and organized stores for locomotives.
Apart from its mechanical efficiency, the authorities have also developed the unit in a sustainable manner, and now has a zero discharge status with a complete effluent treatment plant and sewage treatment plant.
“The roof is insulated in such a way that the internal temperature is about two to four degrees lower than that outside. The natural light panels go a long way in reducing dependence on the electricity supply altogether.” said a railway source.
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