The Kanchrapara Railway Workshop is one of the major workshops of Indian Railways, and is located in the Sealdah division of the Eastern Railway zone. It is divided into two complexes — Loco Complex and Carriage Complex. It caters to the major overhauling of a large product mix of IR, including locomotives, ICF Coaches, EMUs, MEMUs, DEMUs, Tower Cars, etc. Its mention can be found in Satyajit Ray's short story "Patol Babu Superstar", which was also included in the Class 10 English Communicative Curriculum of the CBSE.
History
Kanchrapara Railway Workshop was established in 1863. Initial activities included the periodic overhauling of steam locomotives, wooden body Carriage and Wagons. The workshop also carried out overhauling and repair of aircraft during world war as well as manufacture of armoured cars and hand-grenade shells. This workshop also had the privilege of turning out the first electric locomotive after Periodic Overhauling in 1965 and the first Electric Multiple Unit motor coach was turned out after POH in the very same year.
Organizational Structure
The workshop is headed by an SAG grade officer designated as Chief Workshop Manager.
Loco Complex
This is first complex which was established as part of workshop. Being used for overhauling of locomotives, it was named loco complex. Active shops :
Wheel Shop : It carries out rediscing/overhauling of wheel sets of electric locomotives and EMUs.
Heavy Corrosion Repair Shop
Welding Shop
Locomotive POH and Erection Shop
EMU POH and Erection Shop
Apparatus Overhauling Shop
Armature Rewinding Shop
Bogie Overhauling and Mechanical Repair Shop
Crane Maintenance Shop
EC Loco Shop.
Stores Depot
It caters to the requirements of workshop as well as loco sheds and EMU carsheds of Eastern Railway. It is headed by a Senior Scale Officer under independent charge.
Carriage Complex
This part was established in 1914.
Halisahar Stores Depot
It is headed by Deputy Chief Material Manager, an IRSS officer.
It is primarily meant for conferences and railway cultural events. It includes sports facilities like Lawn Tennis, Badminton, Billiards, swimming pool, etc. for railway employees only. The halls and open spaces are also open for public booking. Officers' Rest House is a part of it and can be used by any officer of Govt. of India for official/private purpose. Apart from Railway Officers' Club, various other institute with sports and cultural facilities have been established by railways.