HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, May 13: The New Bongaigaon (NBQ) Workshop under Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is emerging as a model for excellence in railway maintenance, innovation, and sustainability, according to an official statement issued by NFR.
The workshop has implemented a series of upgrades aimed at improving coach and wagon reliability, passenger convenience, and environmental sustainability.
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One of the key innovations is the installation of a D-Cal Cutting Plotter Machine, replacing the earlier screen-printing method for lettering on coach sides and end walls.
Unlike screen-printed labels that fade and deteriorate over time, the D-Cal system provides durable and visually superior lettering, enhancing both aesthetics and long-term upkeep.
Addressing passenger complaints and operational issues, the NBQ Workshop has also overhauled the Electro-Pneumatic Pressurized Flushing System (EPPFS) used in train coaches.
Previously prone to en-route failures and frequent feedback through platforms like Rail Madad, the system now undergoes a rigorous maintenance process.
This includes dismounting and servicing of water pressurizer units, as well as thorough testing of critical components such as control panels, non-return valves, and air filters.
The result has been a marked improvement in performance and reliability, particularly during long-distance services.
In a major step towards sustainability, the workshop has commissioned a 1 MW rooftop solar power project. Despite weather challenges, the system currently generates an average of 3,850 KWH per day, amounting to an estimated annual output of 14,05,250 KWH.
With solar power costs significantly lower than grid tariffs, the initiative is projected to save over ₹71.5 lakh annually, reinforcing Indian Railways’ push for energy efficiency and green infrastructure.
Another noteworthy development is the creation of an in-house Roof Leaky Test Facility for covered wagons.
The facility uses a controlled shower system to detect and rectify even minor leaks and cracks.
This process is carried out both before and after each wagon’s Periodical Overhaul (POH), ensuring cargo protection and structural integrity—especially crucial during adverse weather conditions.
These advancements, as outlined in the official statement, underscore the NBQ Workshop’s growing role in aligning with Indian Railways’ broader goals of modernisation, enhanced service quality, and environmental stewardship.
