OREANDA-NEWS. April 6, 2011. In a landmark achievement, Indian Railways recorded spectacular rolling stock acquisition/production of more than twenty thousand units during fiscal 2010-10 which is the highest in a single year since independence. Indian Railways acquired 16,638 wagons, produced 3079 passenger coaches and 497 locomotives (267 diesel & 230 electric) which all total to 20214 rolling stock units in the year 2010-11.

The highlight of wagon procurement is that some upgrades in wagons that had eluded Railways for almost a decade have now been applied for the first time. The availability of sufficient number of wagons would help enhance and improve freight movement across Indian Railways thereby accelerating country’s economic growth.

The highlight of diesel locomotive production is the focus on manufacturing most modern high horse power (4500 HP) locomotives while in the case of electrical locomotives, modern green three-phase drive locomotives with regenerative capability of producing electric power during breaking of trains are being manufactured along with conventional locomotives. In case of passenger coaches, production of LHB type stainless steel modern coaches has been stepped up.

Indian Railways also geared up its efforts in a big way to achieve the highest ever scrap disposal worth Rs. 4408 crore in the financial year 2010-11. The performance on scarp disposal is not only more than the annual target but is also 25 per cent more than the previous best.

The highest ever performance since independence in the fields of rolling stock acquisition/production and scrap disposal, speaks volumes about vigorous efforts, capabilities and dedication of lakhs of railwaymen.