Hyderabad: Telangana is set to get its first-ever mega freight examination facility for carrying out periodic overhauling (POH) and routine overhauling (ROH) for goods wagons, marking a major boost to railway infrastructure in the State.The facility, a first of its kind in Telangana, will be established in Warangal region, further strengthening the district’s growing role as a key railway hub. After the railway manufacturing unit, Warangal will now host this mega freight facility, which will undertake maintenance, repair and overhauling of goods wagons and related railway components.This centre is a specialised railway facility where goods wagons undergo comprehensive inspection after completing a fixed service cycle. Unlike routine maintenance carried out in ROHs like Ramagundam, Bellampally and Kazipet, this facility involves complete dismantling and reassembly of wagons to ensure long-term safety, reliability and efficiency. During periodic overhauling, wagons are taken off commercial service and subjected to a series of critical technical checks and refurbishments.According to SCR, efforts are underway to identify a suitable location between Kazipet and Mahabubabad sections for the project, which will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore. The facility will require around 200 to 300 acres of land.‘Reduce logistical delays’At present, goods wagons operating in Telangana are sent to the POH facility in Rayanapadu in AP, leading to longer turnaround times and higher operational costs. The new unit will reduce logistical delays, improve wagon availability, and support freight traffic originating from and passing through Telangana.“With industrial growth picking up in Telangana, particularly in cement, coal, steel, food grains and container traffic, the need for a dedicated wagon overhauling facility has become critical. Moreover, the POH unit is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities, including skilled and semi-skilled jobs,” said a senior official in SCR.Officials said that once land is finalised, SCR will prepare a DPR, followed by statutory approvals and tendering. The construction phase is likely to be taken up in phases, with the facility becoming operational within three to five years.
