The project,
which was completed in June 2024, was executed by RITES Ltd. in partnership
with the Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) of the Sambalpur Division, with an investment
of approximately Rs 2 billion. The new
Sarla yard was reportedly commissioned on 14th June 2024, with freight train
examinations commencing on 25th June 2024, and the first ROH outturn
achieved on 13th August 2024. This development is intended to enhance
infrastructure and address the growing industrial demands of Western and
Southern Odisha.
According to ECoR officials, the Sambalpur Division,
noted as one of the fastest-growing divisions in Indian Railways, is pivotal in
serving the region’s key industries, including the steel, aluminium, and coal
sectors. The freight depot at Sarla Station was developed to improve
operational performance and support the region’s industrial growth. ECoR sources further indicated that RITES
Ltd. has constructed a new G+1 station building to serve as an ROH shed, along
with an electric substation, various offices, a trainee hostel, and two
examination lines, all at a cost of Rs 160 crores. Additionally, the GSU
unit developed one extra loop line and two freight examination lines at an
approximate cost of Rs 400 million, with full electrification of these lines
completed in August 2024.
It was also highlighted that the Sarla yard was
remodelled with 64 new turnouts and 10.4 TKM of new tracks, along with the
conversion of PI to distributed EI of Kyosan make, comprising 195 routes.
ECoR sources
remarked that the yard has the capacity to handle 90 to 100 train examinations
and the ROH of 100 wagons per month, thereby significantly boosting loading
performance, enhancing safety, and reducing the Turn Around Time (TAT) of BTAP
(aluminium-carrying wagons) by 30 percent. It was
noted that, for the first time in Indian Railways, the ROH and sick line work
is being operated entirely on an outsourcing model, with a minimal departmental
staff ensuring the efficient operation of the freight depot.