Requirement for hauling heavy loads on steep gradients and in its quest necessitating technology up-gradation, the state of art micro processor controlled locos from M/s. GM/USA (WDG4/WDP4) were introduced on Indian Railways. Under the concept of transfer of technology to Indian Railways, Diesel Loco manufacturing unit at DLW/BSB became the first unit to undertake the production of this type of locomotives.
This shed has been constructed by imbibing various features of diesel sheds across the globe. It was the first shed on Indian Railways where these locos were based and their maintenance undertaken.
Staff and supervisors of the shed have innate thirst for work and a flair for innovation. They, with their relentless efforts are maintaining these high tech locomotives to world standards with high level of availability, reliability and productivity. Man power yardstick for this loco is 3.7 which is the lowest on Indian railways for any type of locomotives.
·Salient features of the shed are:
ØTotal area of the shed : 75 acres (303550 sq mtrs)
ØTotal covered area of the shed (Including Wash House) : 14500 sq meter
ØTotal plinth area of the administrative building : 1700 sq meter
ØTotal Covered area of Training School : 2633.7 Sq meter
ØTotal Covered area of Training Hostel : 1609.5 Sq meter
ØEstimated project cost : 59.46 Cr
ØTotal Budget : 78.08 Cr
ØNo of stocked item : 723
ØTotal Staff Strength : 615
ØAverage Shed Holding : 205 Locos
·Unique features of the shed.
This Diesel shed is a benchmark shed in terms of maintenance friendly facilities and elegant
administrative building. Layout of the shed has been finalized by amalgamating the features of
major North American Diesel Sheds at Alliance, North Platte, Kansas City, Corwith and Clyde
Diesel Shed in Australia. Construction of shed was completed in June ’99 and the Administrative building was completed in Aug’2002.
ØState of the art administrative building.
ØPit less concept of light repair bays with sunken sub level for ease of working.
ØDrop pit table facility for quick changing of wheels and Traction Motors.
ØWashhouse with cat walks facility.
ØWarehouse annexed to shed at deck level with storage racks and stacker.
ØDeck level access to maintenance area.
·Shed holding
The shed which had a modest beginning with 12 imported locos in 1999 has grown in strength mainly after its manufacturing in DLW and the present loco holding is 204 as detailed below:
·Loco holding
| Manufacturer | WDG4 | WDG4D | WDP4 | WDP4B | WDP4D | Total |
| EMD/USA | 12 | - | 5 | - | - | 17 |
| DLW/PKD | 03 | - | - | - | - | 03 |
| DLW | 136 | 13 | 3 | 22 | 10 | 184 |
| Total | 151 | 13 | 08 | 22 | 10 | 204 |
·Training Facilities
EMD Shed, Hubballi being a nodal shed for homing of these unique locomotives is having facilities for training of running staff as well as maintenance staff.
·Diesel Training Centre
Initially for acquiring the knowledge and skill on the maintenance of GM locomotives, 20 Staff and Supervisors from Operating and Maintenance side were trained at the training facility in General Motors, USA. To facilitate indigenous training on the maintenance and operation of GM locomotives, a unique training facility has been created which consists of an elegant Training School equipped with Loco component display rooms, Auditorium, Library, Seminar room and faculty rooms, in motion. GM Loco Simulator and excellent training hostel to provide accommodation to trainees. So far 4800 Loco pilots, 4390 Asst. Loco pilots and 770 Loco Inspectors have been imparted training at this Training Centre apart from maintenance technicians and supervisors.
·Simulator
The simulator for training the Operating Staff of GM locomotives has been commissioned in December 2005. This facility has been procured through COFMOW from M/s CORYS/FRANCE. So far, 4656 Loco Pilots, 3354 Assistant Loco Pilots and 584 Loco Inspectors have been trained on Simulator.
