Samastipur/Patna: The Samastipur division of Indian Railways has commissioned a 140-tonne advanced Gottwald DHBD (Diesel Hydraulic Break Down) crane, marking a significant upgrade in operational safety and disaster management capabilities within the division.
The commissioning was completed on Wednesday through a joint effort by a specialist team from Jamalpur and technical personnel from the Samastipur division. During the process, all major systems of the crane were tested and certified fit for operational deployment.
Crane successfully lifts 38-tonne coach during trial
As part of the trial run, the crane successfully lifted a 38.03-tonne ICF coach, demonstrating its heavy-load handling capability. Officials also conducted successful tests involving lifting and rotating a match truck up to 180 degrees.
Technical inspections included detailed checks of the crane’s main and auxiliary engines, hydraulic systems, wire ropes and other key mechanical components. Railway officials said minor hydraulic and pneumatic leakages detected during the initial inspection were rectified immediately.
Equipped with modern safety systems
The newly commissioned crane is fitted with a modern Safe Load Indicator (SLI) system developed by HMM Hi-Tech, designed to enhance operational safety while handling heavy loads during rescue and recovery operations.
Maintenance procedures including engine inspection, wire rope cleaning and greasing were also carried out with technical assistance from Cummins engineers.
Faster accident relief and restoration work
Divisional Railway Manager Jyoti Prakash Mishra said the Gottwald DHBD crane is among the most advanced and reliable machines used by Indian Railways for heavy accident relief operations.
According to railway officials, the availability of the crane within the Samastipur division will significantly improve the speed of rescue and restoration work during rail accidents and derailments. It is also expected to help restore train services more quickly and improve maintenance operations involving heavy coaches and wagons.
Annual maintenance to be handled locally
Officials added that annual maintenance of the crane will now be managed at the divisional level itself, reducing dependence on external facilities and saving both time and resources during emergencies.
