SMEL increases railway infrastructure in Odisha

28 May 2024 CW Team

With the company's long-term objective of sustainability, Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited (SMEL) has finished expanding its rail infrastructure at its integrated steel factory at Pandloi, close to Rengali, in the Sambalpur district of Odisha.

The facility has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, recognising the need for improved rail infrastructure to effectively manage the growing flow of raw materials and finished goods. The complex also contains a coal washery and power plant.

The plant used to run on two separate railway lines. According to SMEL's press release, this number has increased to four lines with the current extension, which was finished in 2023. This consists of an engine escape line, three branch lines, and a lead line from Rengali station. Additionally, the project, which was first authorised by Indian Railways in 2015, now features fully operational overhead electrification.

With its upgraded rail system, the factory can now handle more than 110 rakes a month. Although this is a significant improvement, the business claims that only around 60% of the increased demand for raw materials and finished items can be met by the existing arrangement. By 2028, SMEL intends to implement a wagon tippler as a solution to this. With this technology, rail operations will be even more streamlined, tripling the plant's ability to handle trains and guaranteeing quicker wagon turnaround times.

The Vice Chairman and Managing Director of SMEL, Brij Bhushan Agarwal, emphasised the significance of this development and said the addition of a wagon tippler by 2028 will further solidify SMEL's position as a major player in the steel industry, and the expansion of the rail infrastructure is a testament to this commitment.

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