ECoR sources reported that the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has commissioned a Freight Train Examination and Routine Overhauling (ROH) facility at Sarla Station in Sambalpur. The project, which was completed in June 2024, was executed by RITES Ltd. in partnership with the Gati Shakti Unit (GSU) of the Sambalpur Division, with an investment of approximately Rs 2 billion. The new Sarla yard was reportedly commissioned on 14th June 2024, with freight train examinations commencing on 25th June 2024, and the first ROH outturn achieved on 13th August 2024. This development is intended to enhance infrastructure and address the growing industrial demands of Western and Southern Odisha. According to ECoR officials, the Sambalpur Division, noted as one of the fastest-growing divisions in Indian Railways, is pivotal in serving the region's key industries, including the steel, aluminium, and coal sectors. The freight depot at Sarla Station was developed to improve operational performance and support the region?s industrial growth. ECoR sources further indicated that RITES Ltd. has constructed a new G+1 station building to serve as an ROH shed, along with an electric substation, various offices, a trainee hostel, and two examination lines, all at a cost of Rs 160 crores. Additionally, the GSU unit developed one extra loop line and two freight examination lines at an approximate cost of Rs 400 million, with full electrification of these lines completed in August 2024. It was also highlighted that the Sarla yard was remodelled with 64 new turnouts and 10.4 TKM of new tracks, along with the conversion of PI to distributed EI of Kyosan make, comprising 195 routes. ECoR sources remarked that the yard has the capacity to handle 90 to 100 train examinations and the ROH of 100 wagons per month, thereby significantly boosting loading performance, enhancing safety, and reducing the Turn Around Time (TAT) of BTAP (aluminium-carrying wagons) by 30 per cent. It was noted that, for the first time in Indian Railways, the ROH and sick line work is being operated entirely on an outsourcing model, with a minimal departmental staff ensuring the efficient operation of the freight depot.