Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone of project for expanding Periodical Overhaul (POH) capacity at the Jamalpur Railway Engine Factory, Bihar. Accompanied by top ministers, he also conducted a window trailing inspection from Patna to Jamalpur, issuing vital directives to improve railway operations and infrastructure in the region.
Introduction:
In a significant advancement for the Indian Railways and the eastern railway network, Hon’ble Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone for the project to expand the wagon Periodical Overhaul (POH) capacity at the Jamalpur Railway Engine Factory in Bihar. The event showcases a significant step towards increasing efficiency in wagon maintenance and enhancing logistics capabilities across the national freight network.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’ Singh, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary, and senior BJP leader Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha. The gathering of key political figures reflects the strategic importance of this railway initiative for both Bihar and the broader national infrastructure goals.
Project Significance – Strengthening Logistics and Freight Efficiency:
The POH (Periodical Overhaul) facility plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and timely functioning of freight wagons, which are critical to the Indian economy. Currently, with a rapidly increasing demand for freight movement across the country, Indian Railways is actively working to expand its POH capacity to prevent operational delays, reduce turnaround times, and support higher volumes of cargo traffic.
Key highlights of the project include:
- Expanded Capacity: The upgraded facility at Jamalpur will significantly increase the number of wagons that can undergo periodic overhaul, ensuring faster servicing and better operational availability.
- Employment Generation: The expansion is expected to generate local employment opportunities in skilled and semi-skilled roles, benefiting the surrounding regions of Bihar.
- Modernization Push: The project includes the integration of modern infrastructure, automation, and enhanced inspection techniques in line with Indian Railways’ modernization roadmap.
The Jamalpur Railway Engine Factory, one of the oldest and most historic establishments of Indian Railways, will now reinforce its position as a major engineering hub in eastern India with this capacity enhancement.
Window Trailing Inspection – Minister’s On-Ground Review:
In a parallel activity, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a window trailing inspection from Patna to Jamalpur, covering key segments of the railway route. The inspection aimed to assess real-time performance, track conditions, passenger amenities, and overall infrastructure along the corridor.
Accompanied by Central Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Deputy CM Shri Samrat Choudhary, and Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, the Railway Minister observed several areas and gave detailed instructions for further improvements in:
- Track and Signal Maintenance: Ensuring better track health and uninterrupted signaling systems.
- Station Facilities: Upgrading passenger amenities at enroute stations.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Stressing on maintaining hygiene and safety standards at platforms and onboard trains.
- Operational Efficiency: Recommendations were given to optimize turnaround and punctuality across key passenger and freight trains.
This inspection aligns with the Ministry’s approach of on-ground governance and direct involvement in improving public transport infrastructure.
Political and Public Impact – Broad Support Across Leadership:
The presence of both state and central leadership underlines the project’s political significance and its potential to deliver tangible benefits to the public. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh acknowledged the efforts of the central government in boosting infrastructure development in Bihar, while Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary emphasized the role of modernized rail services in regional economic upliftment.
This initiative also strengthens the government’s commitment to the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” visions, as enhanced domestic overhaul capacity directly contributes to self-reliance in infrastructure maintenance.
Looking Ahead – Railways as a Growth Engine:
With increasing emphasis on multimodal logistics, faster cargo movement, and sustainable infrastructure development, the Indian Railways continues to invest heavily in revamping and expanding its technical capabilities. The Jamalpur POH upgrade is part of a broader effort to ensure that the railway network can cater to India’s ambitious freight targets and support the economic growth trajectory.
Conclusion:
The foundation stone laying at Jamalpur is a crucial step toward improving India’s freight wagon servicing capacity and modernizing the eastern railway network. With strong political backing and a goal for efficient rail logistics, this initiative will not only empower Bihar but also bolster national infrastructure capabilities for years to come.
Source: MoR | Image Credit: MoR
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