Western Railway is planning to install diesel locomotives from the Bandra carshed that are no longer in use along suburban stations in an attempt to beautify the surroundings and preserve the Railways’ heritage.
A Western Railway official said the decision was based on a Railway Board direction, after none of the zonal railways showed any interest in putting them up at stations on their routes.
“No one from the zonal railways replied to our request, and hence, we decided to modify them and place them at our stations in the Mumbai division,” said Mukul Jain, Divisional Railway Manager, WR.
Western Railway has seven WDS4 series diesel engines in the Bandra carshed. “These rakes are from 1960-70 and not in use anymore. They are just lying at the workshop. We are trying to make the locomotives attractive before displaying them at railway stations,” said another senior WR official who did not eish to be named.
Besides these, there are two steam engines at Mumbai Central and Churchgate.
Of the seven locomotives, five will be placed, in the first phase, at Nalasopara, Navsari, Khandpara, Amalner and Bandra Terminus. It took nearly a year for WR to decide the stations. “We needed railway stations that had the space for this, and accordingly shortlisted the five stations. This will also make the stations look beautiful,” said Mr. Jain.
The locos will be restored and modified to make them attractive, as well as give them a heritage look.“Machinery that are not required for such a loco will be removed. The exterior will match the original look, and pedestals will be built,” said the official quoted earlier.
Work on the painting and pedestals will start soon after the monsoon, and the engines will be kept at railway stations by the year-end. The official said a minimum amount would spent on restoration, but did not specify how much.
