Central Railway has increased the storage capacity of Amla Railway Reservoir in Nagpur Division by 3.5 times through desilting and repair works, strengthening its preparedness to handle the impending drought situation in Maharashtra, especially in nearby areas of Nagpur where water from this reservoir is drawn for railway use as per safety norms. The works represent an important step towards water conservation and efficient utilisation of available storage capacity. The reservoir's capacity has gone up from 93.75 million litres to 331.95 million litres, an increase of 238.2 million litres (23.82 crore litres).

 

Desilting was carried out over an area of 300 metres x 198.5 metres with an average depth of 4 metres. The initiative will help improve management of available water resources, support railway water requirements and strengthen water conservation efforts. Especially the move is aimed at ensuring meeting the needs of water that is filled in passing trains at Nagpur, it is an important junction. In case the water cuts leads to drop in railway supply, Central Railway can tap into Amla to top-up water tanks in passenger carrying trains on Grand Trunk corridor. Around 2.38 lakh cubic metres of silt was removed, which has enhanced water quality and will support maintenance and operation. Repairs to the intake well, gates, pathway and other associated structures, including plastering over 100 sq m and pathway work over 20 metres, have been completed to improve safety and flow.

 

The work is in line with action taken on the CAG report on drinking water quality and Railway Board directives for safe and clean water. The desilting and cleaning contributed to Swachhata Hi Seva, Swachhata Pakhwada and Special Campaign 6.0, said a release issued by railways. Central Railway remains committed to maintaining railway infrastructure and promoting judicious use of water resources.