It looks like the crores of rupees invested on purchase and procurement of cranes and other equipment to carry out major works at the Diesel loco shed in Ernakulam is going waste. The machinery is yet to be used. According to the All-India Loco Running Staff Association members, a crane worth Rs 1 crore was purchased exclusively for mounting train engines for repair work at the shed. Though it was brought here seven years ago, it has not been commissioned or operated so far.
“The 300-tonne capacity crane which can haul more than one engine is rotting away at the shed. We have to make do with the old cranes, when it could be replaced by the new. Though we have been frequently demanding that the crane be made use of, there has been no response. It is a dead investment for the Railways if it is not used,” K P Varghese, treasurer of the Association, said. The Railways had brought the crane when there were plans to expand the diesel loco shed. Two extra pit lines were also constructed at the shed for the purpose. However, the plan to go ahead with the project was dropped later due to political reasons.
Also, the Railways spent Rs 10 crore on constructing a more modern diesel loco shed facility here, but the work was left half-way through. “The work commenced eight years ago but only the roofing has been completed. We have spoken to P Rajeeve MP who has taken it up with the general manager.
Recently, the Railways had made a move to close down Kerala’s lone diesel loco shed in lieu of an electric shed. The Southern Railways General Manager had also sanctioned `20 crore for the purpose.
Based on several protests and recommendations made by MPs, the Railways has planned to stall the implementation of the project for some years.
“I have been given the assurance that an Electric Loco shed will come up here only in 2020. Also, the Railways have made its stand clear that it would restore the diesel loco shed while a se per ate electric shed was constructed,” P Rajeeve MP said.