ECoR Unveils ₹200-Crore Freight Examination Facility in Sambalpur

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a new Freight Train Examination and Routine Overhauling (ROH) facility at Sarla Station in Sambalpur, Odisha. Completed in June 2024 with an investment of ₹200 crore, the project was executed by RITES Ltd. in partnership with the Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) of the Sambalpur Division. The facility began operations on June 25, 2024, with its first ROH completed on August 13, 2024.

Designed to meet the growing industrial needs of Western and Southern Odisha, the new facility supports key regional industries, including steel, aluminum, and coal. The Sarla station depot is expected to enhance operational efficiency and bolster industrial growth in the area.

The project features a modern G+1 station building, ROH shed, electric substation, trainee hostel, and additional examination lines, all developed at a cost of ₹160 crore. An additional ₹40 crore was invested in constructing extra loop and examination lines, with full electrification completed by August 2024.

The upgraded Sarla yard, now equipped with 64 new turnouts and 10.4 km of new tracks, is designed to handle 90-100 train examinations and ROH of 100 wagons monthly, significantly improving safety and reducing turnaround times by 30 percent.

The ROH operations are fully outsourced, ensuring efficient management with minimal departmental staff involvement.

News by Rahul Yelligetti