Century-Old Heritage Locomotive In Puri Gets A New Look

Puri: On the direction of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the century-old heritage steam locomotive PL-692 placed at BNR Hotel, here has been repaired and  given a new look by East Coast Railway (ECoR).

After receiving representations from different sections of society for upkeep of the locomotive whose engine, roof and boiler room had corroded due to saline weather in Puri, the Railway Minister had directed to repair it as a part of preservation of heritage items.

As the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which had taken over the management of the BNR Hotel, lacked resources and technical expertise in maintenance of locomotive, it requested the ECoR for the repair. The IRCTC had agreed to bear the expenditure in this regard.

Following the request from the IRCTC, the ECoR took steps to repair the parts of the Heritage Steam Loco. Welding of plates and putting a brand new livery have given a new look to the old engine.

Imported by Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, the locomotive was run by Parlakimedi Light Railway (PLR). It was running on narrow gauge of PLR in the Naupada-Gunupur railway section. The Paralakhemundi Engine known as “PL Class” was built by Kerr, Stuart and Company of England in 1904.