IMP. Engagement of Contract Medical Practitioner Over Jagadhari Workshop(Haryana), Walk in Interview Dt. 24.06.25
Indian Railways – Lifeline of the Nation
Rolling Stock Department is headed by Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer is responsible for maintenance of all passengers and freight stocks over Northern Railway. Indian Railways operates one of the largest rail networks in the world, relying on a vast fleet of rolling stock (locomotives, coaches, and wagons) to transport passengers and freight efficiently. Main components of this department are:
1. Coaching Rolling Stock (Passenger Services)
Purpose: Transport passengers safely and comfortably.
Types of Coaches:
General (Unreserved): Basic seating, no reservations.
Sleeper (SL): Berths for overnight travel.
AC Classes (1AC, 2AC, 3AC, CC): Air-conditioned coaches with varying comfort levels.
Special Coaches: (e.g., Vistadome for scenic routes, Garib Rath for budget AC travel).
Key Features:
Designed for passenger safety, comfort, and amenities (charging points, bio-toilets).
Includes pantry cars, luggage vans, and emergency medical compartments.
2. Freight Rolling Stock (Goods Transport)
Purpose: Transport bulk commodities (coal, cement, food grains, etc.) and finished goods.
Types of Wagons:
Open Wagons: For coal, minerals.
Box Wagons: For packaged goods.
Tankers: For liquids (oil, chemicals).
Special Wagons: Refrigerated, container flats (for EXIM cargo).
Key Features:
High axle load capacity for heavy freight.
Dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) improve efficiency.
Automation (e.g., RFID tracking) for better logistics.
Importance of Rolling Stock in Indian Railways
Economic Growth: Freight services contribute significantly to trade and industry.
Public Mobility: Coaching stock connects millions daily.
Modernization: New designs (Vande Bharat, high-capacity freight wagons) enhance speed and efficiency.
Rolling stock is the backbone of Indian Railways, ensuring seamless passenger travel and freight movement, driving economic and social development.
3. Workshops
Introduction
Indian Railways maintains a network of workshops dedicated to the maintenance, overhaul, and manufacturing of rolling stock. Five important workshops located at Jagadhri, Amritsar, Kalka, Charbagh (Lucknow), and Alambagh (Lucknow) play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of trains.
1. Jagadhri Workshop (Haryana)
Primary Role: Periodic overhaul (POH) of passenger coaches and freight wagons.
Key Functions:
Repair and refurbishment of BOX, BOB, BCN, and other freight wagons.
Ensures safe and efficient movement of goods across India.
Implements modern welding and fabrication techniques.
2. Amritsar Workshop (Punjab)
Primary Role: Maintenance and POH of freight wagons.
Key Functions:
Wheel & axle maintenance for safe passenger travel.
Implements corrosion-resistant coatings for longer wagon life.
3. Kalka Workshop (Haryana)
Primary Role: Specialized in narrow-gauge (NG) coaches and wagons.
Key Functions:
Serves heritage and hilly routes like Kalka-Shimla Railway.
Restoration of vintage coaches for tourism.
Ensures rugged designs for mountainous terrain.
4. Charbagh Workshop (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Primary Role: Maintenance of diesel locomotives & EMUs.
Key Functions:
Overhaul of WDM, WDP, and DEMU locomotives.
Critical for North & East Central Railway zones.
Upgrades loco components for fuel efficiency.
5. Alambagh Workshop (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Primary Role: Manufacturing & repair of railway wheels & axles.
Key Functions:
Produces wheels, axles, and bogies for coaches & wagons.
Supplies critical components to other workshops.
Ensures adherence to safety standards (RDSO guidelines).
Importance of These Workshops
Safety: Regular maintenance prevents accidents.
Efficiency: Minimizes breakdowns, ensuring punctuality.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces dependency on new purchases.
Employment: Provides skilled jobs in engineering & repair.
These five workshops are vital for Indian Railways’ operational efficiency, ensuring that both passenger and freight services run smoothly across the country.