New Wagon POH Workshop at Bashbari to Boost Freight Operations in Northeast
· Free Press Journal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated and laid the foundation stone for various railway infrastructure development projects in Kokrajhar, Assam on 13.03.2026. During the programme, this includes the Wagon Periodic Overhaul (POH) Workshop at Bashbari in Kokrajhar district, a project of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) being developed at an estimated cost of above Rs. 256 crores. The workshop is being developed over about 669 acres under the Alipurduar Division to strengthen freight wagon maintenance capacity in the Northeast. Once completed, it will enhance the reliability and availability of freight wagons by increasing repair capacity and reducing turnaround time, thereby improving operational efficiency, supporting growing freight movement and generating employment opportunities in the region.
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The project is being executed under the Gati Shakti Unit of NFR at Maligaon, with pre-construction activities currently in progress. The workshop at Bashbari is expected to significantly strengthen wagon maintenance capacity in Northeast India, reduce dependence on distant workshops and improve the reliability and safety of freight wagons operating across the region.
Major infrastructure works include construction of a 3000-metre boundary wall with fencing, a G+2 administrative building, a covered workshop shed with embedded tracks, and a road over bridge (ROB) alongwith permanent way materials such as rails, sleepers and ballast. Electrical infrastructure will include 33 kV transmission line connectivity, substations, DG backup systems, high mast and LED lighting, while signalling, telecom and advanced mechanical facilities such as EOT cranes, CNC portal wheel lathe, wheel press and bogie manipulators will be installed to support modern wagon maintenance operations.
Apart from strengthening railway operations, the workshop is expected to bring significant socio-economic benefits to Bashbari and the wider Kokrajhar district by generating employment, promoting skill development and encouraging the growth of ancillary industries. The project also aligns with the Memorandum of Settlement signed on 27th January 2020 between the Government of India, the Government of Assam and Bodoland groups for the development of the Bodoland Territorial Region. Targeted for completion by December 2027, the workshop will further boost regional development, with planned rail and road connectivity from Bashbari Railway Station and Gauripur Road to ensure smooth operational access.