Parel workshop to build engines for narrowest gauge in the world

The Parel railway workshop will soon begin manufacturing three diesel engines for mini trains of the Gwalior narrow gauge section, the narrowest gauge in the world.

The narrow gauge section, on a 198-km stretch of heritage value, connects over 250 villages through 27 stations and is the only mode of transport available in the region.

Sunit Sharma, chief works manager, Central Railway, said the work on these engines would be completed by the end of this financial year. "Till now, all engines made in this workshop are running successfully. Such offers motivate our staff," he said.

Since August 2006, when it started manufacturing locomotives, the workshop has manufactured 11 narrow gauge locos — nine for Kalka-Shimla and two for Neral-Matheran mini railways — and 159 broad gauge engines. The workshop had been handling only maintenance and repair works of locomotives till 2006.

A dual cab design with ergonomic driving console and seat, provision of vigilance control device for safety in operation, micro-controller based speed recorder and over-speed control will be introduced in locos being manufactured for Gwalior. Each locomotive will weigh 23 tonnes and the dual cab facility is aimed at ease of visibility.

At present, there are ten 30-year-old diesel locomotives in the Gwalior narrow gauge section. "The North Central Railway has demanded three engines and the workshop will manufacture more if there is need," Sharma said.

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