Maligaon, March 16 (MExN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 13 dedicated and laid the foundation stone for several railway infrastructure development projects in Kokrajhar, Assam.
Among the projects is a Wagon Periodic Overhaul (POH) Workshop at Bashbari in Kokrajhar district, being developed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) at an estimated cost of over Rs 256 crore.
The workshop will be developed over about 669 acres under the Alipurduar Division to strengthen freight wagon maintenance capacity in the Northeast.
Once completed, it is expected to enhance the reliability and availability of freight wagons by increasing repair capacity and reducing turnaround time. The project aims to improve operational efficiency, support growing freight movement and generate employment opportunities in the region.
The project is being executed under the Gati Shakti Unit of NFR at Maligaon, with pre-construction activities currently in progress.
According to officials, the workshop at Bashbari will significantly strengthen wagon maintenance capacity in Northeast India, reduce dependence on distant workshops and improve the reliability and safety of freight wagons operating across the region.
Major infrastructure works under the project include construction of a 3,000-metre boundary wall with fencing, a G+2 administrative building, a covered workshop shed with embedded tracks and a road over bridge (ROB), along with permanent way materials such as rails, sleepers and ballast.
Electrical infrastructure will include 33 kV transmission line connectivity, substations, DG backup systems, high mast and LED lighting. Signalling and telecom systems, along with advanced mechanical facilities such as EOT cranes, CNC portal wheel lathe, wheel press and bogie manipulators, will also be installed to support modern wagon maintenance operations.
Apart from strengthening railway operations, the workshop is expected to bring significant socio-economic benefits to Bashbari and the wider Kokrajhar district by generating employment, promoting skill development and encouraging the growth of ancillary industries.
The project also aligns with the Memorandum of Settlement signed on January 27, 2020 between the Government of India, the Government of Assam and Bodoland groups for the development of the Bodoland Territorial Region.
Targeted for completion by December 2027, the workshop will further boost regional development, with planned rail and road connectivity from Bashbari Railway Station and Gauripur Road to ensure smooth operational access.
