Banaras Locomotive Works in Varanasi has officially started the Periodic Overhauling facility for railway engines. This new initiative aims to refurbish old locomotives and extend their operational life by another eighteen years. Previously, this specialized maintenance was limited to very few workshops across the country, often leading to long waiting periods for engine repairs.
What is the overhauling target for the current financial year?
For the financial year 2026-27, the railway board has assigned a specific target to the Varanasi plant to overhaul 15 locomotives. This includes 10 diesel engines and 5 electric engines that have completed their mid-life cycle. The process involves a complete technical makeover where essential parts are replaced to ensure high performance and safety on tracks. This facility marks a major step in making the Banaras plant a self-reliant hub for both production and maintenance.
Which components are replaced during the engine overhauling process?
Since a locomotive generally has a total lifespan of 36 years, a thorough overhauling becomes necessary after it completes 18 years of service. During this process, the technical teams replace several critical parts including:
- Power packs and alternators
- Turbo chargers and compressors
- Complete braking and control systems
- Traction motors and bogies
- Radiator systems and couplers
General Manager Ashutosh Pant mentioned that the factory produced 572 engines in the last financial year and now aims to manufacture 642 new electric locomotives along with these overhauling tasks.