Rail Wheel Production Surges by 60% at Bela’s Rail Wheel Plant
Bela, Bihar: In a remarkable achievement, the Rail Wheel Plant in Bela, Bihar, has reported a 60% surge in rail wheel production during the current year. Since its establishment as a Production Unit of Indian Railways on August 1, 2014, the Rail Wheel Plant at Bela has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing rail wheel manufacturing in India.
Nestled in the picturesque region of Bela within the Dariyapur Block of Saran district in Bihar, the Rail Wheel Plant boasts a rich history, dating back to 2008 when the foundation stone was laid by the then Minister for Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav. The plant was conceptualized at an approximate cost of Rs. 1500 crores and spans an expansive 295-acre land area.
Overseeing the monumental project is Workshop Projects, an integral division of Indian Railways headquartered in Patna. The construction of the Rail Wheel Plant commenced in July 2008, signifying a significant step towards revitalizing industrialization in Northern Bihar.
In a historic feat for Indian Railways, the project was awarded as an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract to M/s Larsen & Toubro Limited. This marked the first instance in the history of Indian Railways when a highly sophisticated factory was established without any foreign collaboration. This achievement was made possible due to the in-house capabilities of Railway engineers and the expertise of the renowned Indian company.
The project was not without its challenges, primarily due to its challenging geographical location. Situated amidst river bodies on two sides, the plant’s elevation was lower than the riverbed, and the soil was notably loose. To surmount these complexities, the Railways effectively employed stone columning techniques to enhance the soil’s load-bearing capacity.
The recent surge in rail wheel production at the Rail Wheel Plant in Bela reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing efficiency and capacity. This achievement further solidifies its role in advancing India’s railway infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.
