Railway projects in Bihar rolling on track

The Indian Railway projects in Bihar, including the sick Bharat Wagon Engineering Limited (BWEL), were rolling on the right track and a couple of them have already started operating, a Railway Board member today said.
"We have entrusted repair of C-category (those rendered unfit for use due to various reasons) coaches to BWEL at Mokama in the state. It is a sick PSU acquired by the railways, and the move will help solve its financial issues including that of salary payment to its employees," said Hemant Kumar, member (technical), Railway Board.
BWEL earlier used to make wagons, but suffered heavy losses when their prices dropped two years ago.

Kumar said the Rail Wheel Factory at Bela in Saran district, had started operations last year, but was facing a few problems. Majority of its problems have been sorted out and the factory was well on its way to achieve its target of producing 24,000 wheels this year.
The board member also said that the project work at passenger coach maintenance unit at Harnaut in Nalanda district has been completed and work has begun though housing related works were still pending.
"Likewise, the diesel locomotive factory at Marhaura in Saran district, which has been pending for several years has moved ahead from 'Request for Qualification' (REQ) stage to Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. The decision on proposals will be decided on September 1 this year," Kumar added.

Kumar also said that the RFP for electric locomotive factory at Madhepura will be decided on August 31, while a study has been done regarding wagon factory at Dalmianagar in Rohtas district whether it could be established in the area, excluding those which are immersed in litigations.
The Railway Board member was on a daylong visit to Bihar to inspect several railway installations in the state.