Kochi: Coaches being deployed in trains running in the division are being subjected to maintenance and repair every nine months, thereby ensuring compliance with required standards, the railways said.
“The coaches are regularly maintained in the coaching depots as per the prescribed maintenance schedule on completion of every round trip. In addition, the intermediate overhauling (IOH) is done every nine months in the nominated Coaching Depots and Periodical Overhauling (POH) is done every 18 months in various Workshops of the Southern Railway. During IOH & POH, the coaches are critically examined for corrosion, structural damage, stability and ensuring the fitness of the coaches for its safe run. The coaches are being put into service only after ensuring compliance with maintenance standards,” it said in a statement in response to a DC report on old coaches being deployed in Express trains in the division.
The report cited instances of a 23-year old coach (no 92616) being used in Venad Express and a 22-year old bogie (93344) being deployed in Malabar Express which is a night train.
“The rule does not allow compartments with over 20 years of age to be used for Express trains. At the best they can be used in ordinary trains as the railways have now increased the maximum coach life to 25 years,” said a railway employee with the Mechanical division on the condition of anonymity.
