Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of Rail Coach Refurbishing Karkhana in Sonepat, Haryana.

Key Facts :

• The rail project is set to be a major industrial initiative for Haryana as it will provide repair as well as a maintenance facility for train coaches of Indian Railways.
• The Rail Coach Refurbishing Factory will be set up at a cost of Rs 500 crore at Barhi in Sonipat district. The factory will not only aid Sonipat but also provide an impetus to Haryana’s industrial growth.

• It is being established under government's ambitious Make in India initiative.

• The factory will be operated by the Northern Railway zone of the national transporter.

• It was proposed that the factory would be designed to refurbish at least 500-700 rail coaches every year.

• The other salient features of the Karkhana include Automatic paint booths for superior painting of coaches, Pre-fabricated Sheds with a floor area of 40000 sq m etc.

• Besides this, eco-friendly features like 1 MWp Solar Power Plant mounted on the shed floor, use of waste water treatment & water recycling shall also be provided.

• The railway also plans to have an in-built design to provide natural day lighting through UV protected polycarbonate sheeting & natural ventilation through side louvers & turbo vents.

• Once complete, this will be a major repair and maintenance facility for rail coaches in the northern region.

• Haryana will witness periodical overhaul (POH) as well as refurbishment of around 250 railway coaches per year.