Steel makeover for old wagons

Rly’s Vatva unit to transform 200 run-down goods carriages; 10 ready to chug into service tomorrow

By Yogesh Avasthi

Posted On Wednesday, May 12, 2010 (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=3&contentid=2010051220100512032649597811e662b)

Goods wagons are getting a new look and a stronger body at Western Railway’s Vatva maintenance unit. Despite not being technically equipped for the work, the unit has successfully overhauled 10 wagons which will roll into service on Thursday.

At the unit, old, used wagons are being transformed into stainless steel-bodied ones that are tougher, lighter and roomier and cost-effective.

The Vatva unit will ‘body sculpt’ 200 such BOXN wagons in a year beginning this month; 200 more are being worked upon at the Godhra workshop. The unit will upgrade these wagons at a total cost of Rs 20 crore (Rs 1.25 lakh for each wagon).

Good wagons are generally built to last 35 years. However, these wagons with mild steel, lasted only 10 t0 15 years. Refitting them with a stainless steel body will add more life to them, Railway technicians say.

Originally, the super structure of BOXN wagons corroded fast and needed frequent repairs. Stainles steel which is almost corrosion-less will minimise maintenance expenditure, officials say.

The outer walls have been strengthened by changing their design. Each wagon now weighs 1.27 tonne less, allowing room for goods weight. Increased carrying capacity of wagons means more income for Railway.

The inner height of the wagons has been raised by 77 mm to add to its volumetric loading capacity. The wagons will now have four flap doors instead of six.
Having passed Research and Design Standard Organisation inspection, the 10 revamped wagons will be flagged off by Divisional Railway Manager A S Garud on Thursday.