Historical Overview
The Rolling Stock Workshop Lucknow was established in 1868 under the Oudh & Rohilkhand Railways, primarily for the overhauling of steam locomotives. In 1925, the workshop became part of the East India Railways. Following India's independence, a reorganization of the zonal railways brought the workshop under the Northern Railway.
Major Activities
Over the years, the main activities of the workshop have evolved significantly. Initially focused on the Periodic Overhaul (POH) of steam locomotives, the workshop transitioned to the POH of diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), and Mainline Electrical Multiple Units (MEMUs). After phasing out Alco diesel locomotives, the workshop now primarily handles the POH of DEMUs, MEMUs, electric locomotives, and the Major Maintenance Schedules (SS-1, SS-2, and SS-3) for Vande Bharat trains.
Currently, the workshop overhauls all types of DEMU and MEMU stock for Northern Railway, including those at the Budgam Depot in Srinagar, J&K. The Electric Loco POH Shop is undertaking the POH/RC of WAP1, WAP4, WAG5, and WAG7 locomotives. The CB Shop has also performed the IOH of a three-phase electric locomotive (WAG9) this year.
The CB Shop has undertaken the SS-1 and SS-2 schedules for the bogies of the first two rakes of Vande Bharat Express Version 1 (Train-18) and has completed the SS-1 schedule for Version 2 rakes. Furthermore, the Railway Board has allocated Vande Bharat trainsets from the Eastern Central Railway (ECR) and Northern Eastern Railway (NER) zones to the Charbagh workshop for major maintenance schedules.
In the year 2023-24, the workshop commenced POH for three-phase MEMUs, including underslung type MEMUs, and plans to undertake the POH of two DEMU rakes for Nepal Railway in this year 2024-25.
Organizational Structure
The workshop is led by the Chief Workshop Manager, supported by officers from various departments, including Mechanical, Electrical, Stores, Personnel, and Finance. This collaborative structure enhances operational efficiency and ensures that all aspects of the workshop's functions are well-coordinated.
Commitment to Quality and Efficiency
Our primary focus is on increasing output in a cost-efficient manner while maintaining high-quality standards. The workshop has adopted an Integrated Management System, along with OHSAS and 5S methodologies, which have contributed to reduced waste and cost savings. As a result, the workshop has witnessed a significant increase in the POH of train sets, wheel sets, and bogies.
Sustainable Practices
In addition to enhancing productivity, we are committed to making our production processes more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In 2018, we commissioned an 833 MW rooftop solar power plant on the workshop premises. Other notable initiatives include the installation of rainwater harvesting pits, an effluent treatment plant, and a scrap incinerator, all aimed at promoting sustainability within our operations.
