Giving a boost to freight mobility and aiming to expedite the movement of coal rakes, north central railway (NCR) operated a 2.7 km long empty freight train from Chunar to fetch coal for UP power plant.
Named as Pinaka , the long haul with four brake vans and 232 wagons (58 wagons per part) was formed at Chunar which was pulled by multiple locomotive units of WAG9.
“Usually, the long haul trains are run by clubbing two rakes (trains). However, in view of expediting freight movement, especially coal, long hauls of three or more trains have been operating on a trial basis,” said CPRO NCR Shivam Sharma.
In the month of August, 36 long hauls of two rakes and four Triagni (a long haul of three rakes) operated by Prayagraj Division. These freight trains are handed over to ECR for loading at various coal loading sites.
“Since Chunar-Chopan section is a single line section and it serves as the trunk route for coal movement, as maximum coal loading is takes place in northern coalfields, the idea of running long haul trains has been executed to increase the mobility of coal rakes without affecting the punctuality of coaching trains,” he added.
Pinaka departed from Chunar at 18:20 hours on Saturday and was handed over to East Central Railway at Chopan. Long hauls of two rakes have traditionally been operated in NCR from locations like Tundla, Khurja, Jhansi and Baad (near Mathura refinery).
