The Engineering Department of Howrah Division, Eastern Railway, has redefined infrastructure standards with a series of transformative achievements over the past year, focused on modernization, safety, and sustainability.

Key accomplishments include extensive track renewal, with 127 Tkm renewed, 97 km of plain track and 207 turnouts deep-screened, alongside 2454 km of plain track and 1321 turnouts tamped using state-of-the-art machinery. Critical yards are being comprehensively upgraded with improved drainage, signalling coordination, and enhanced safety.

Bridge rehabilitation was another major focus area, with structural strengthening of both major and minor bridges. Encroachment removal saw 88 drives conducted, evicting 3,393 encroachments, including 342 hard structures, 2,283 soft structures, and 768 encroached railway quarters, reclaiming land for future development.

Beautification works were carried out at 40 station approaches, while key stations such as Howrah, Saktigarh, Bolpur, Rampurhat, and Barddhaman received major passenger amenity upgrades — including artistic murals, modern seating, gardens, and improved waiting areas.

Mechanized maintenance received a significant boost with the use of Track Recording Cars, Rail Grinding Machines, and Ultrasonic Flaw Detection, enhancing asset reliability and reducing human dependency.

The department also excelled in disaster preparedness, conducting pre-monsoon inspections, staff counselling, and installing real-time monitoring systems in flood-prone areas, ensuring uninterrupted operations during adverse weather.

These achievements reflect the leadership of Sri Sanjeev Kumar, DRM/Howrah, and the technical acumen of Sri Kartik Singh, Sr. DEN/C/HWH. Their commitment to engineering excellence continues to shape a safer, more efficient, and commuter-friendly railway network.

Source/ER