Tower wagon shed commissioned in Karaikudi

A new tower wagon shed has been commissioned in Karaikudi as part of the Railway Electrification project.

The covered shed includes stabling and inspection facilities for tower wagons used in electrified railway sections. The facility was constructed at a cost of ₹1.5 Crore, a statement said.

The self-propelled tower wagon is essential for preventive and breakdown maintenance of overhead traction equipment (OHE). It is also used for annual and periodic overhauling of OHE, improving the reliability of the OHE systems and ensuring prompt restoration during failures.

Tower wagon is  equipped with a self-contained mini-workshop, generator, electro-hydraulic platform lifter, double engines for fail-safe operations, inspection dome and staff restrooms.

The electro-hydraulic platform lifter allows platforms used for installing or inspecting overhead lines to be lifted, lowered, or rotated, the statement said.

It can also be operated manually.

The wagon, powered by two independent under-slung engines, features an improved braking system. The engines, fitted under the wagon for natural cooling, create more working space inside. The overhead lines can be inspected from an insulated inspection dome on top, and the wagon can record visuals of pantograph movements.

OHE depots 

Madurai Division of Southern Railway is maintaining 1,124 route km of electrified sections with 1,742 km of track. Routine inspection and maintenance of the electrified sections are managed by 15 OHE depots located in Manapparai, Dindigul, Palani, Madurai, Pudukottai, Manamadurai, Virudhunagar, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Sengottai, Nazareth, Rajapalayam, Punalur, and Karaikudi.

Tower wagons are stationed at Manapparai, Dindigul, Palani, Madurai, Manamadurai, Virudhunagar, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Sengottai, and Karaikudi. Another tower wagon shed will be commissioned in Rajapalayam shortly, the statement said.