Luxury and Technology Meet Sustainability at New Kanpur Station’s Crew Running Room

In a significant stride towards enhancing operational efficiency and crew welfare, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Crew Running Room at the New Kanpur Station of Prayagraj Unit. The facility was commissioned by Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), in a ceremony attended by key railway officials of North Central Railway, including Rajneesh Aggarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, Prayagraj, Sanjay Singh, ADRM/Infra, Prayagraj, Devendra Singh, Chief General Manager, Prayagraj. CGM/S&T A B Saran, GM/Security Ashish Mishra AGM/OP&BD/EDFC Mannu Prakash Dubey , DyCTM Kanpur Ashutosh Singh , Sr.DOM(Co) Prayagraj Akanshu Govil, Sr.DEE(G) PRYJ, Kunwar Narayan Dy.CEE(Loco), DEE (TRD) Abhishek Mishra , DEE(OP), DEN-IV and Other DFCCIL Officers from Tundla unit and Indian Railway Officers attended the occasion.

The new Crew Running Room is set in a grand G+4 building covering a total built-up area of 7,242.55 square meters, designed with modern amenities that reflect a commitment to not just efficiency but also the well-being of railway personnel. Solar plants will aid in saving electricity and dependency on greener energy. For this Solar on Roof 88KW(184 panel) and Solar on stand 412KW (762 panels) with annual generation 8,21,000 KWH with annual cost savings @Rs7.7 per unit.

During the inauguration Praveen Kumar discussed that this Crew Running Room is not just a building; it’s a solution designed to meet the operational demands of our freight services while ensuring the comfort and safety of our crew members. With modern technology and sustainable practices woven into the very fabric of this facility, we are taking a crucial step towards a world-class railway infrastructure said.

The Ground Floor of the building features a dining area complete with a modular kitchen, noteworthy amenities Simulator Room for training purposes, include a Crew lobby with a waiting area and recreation zone, designed to provide a comfortable environment for the crew during their breaks. The First Floor houses a spacious Conference Hall one of its kind, Yoga Room etc.

In terms of energy efficiency and sustainability, the facility boasts a design that incorporates natural lighting and ventilation, ensuring a pleasant indoor environment. State-of-the-art VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) air conditioning systems and advanced security measures, including 42 CCTV cameras and an alarm system, enhance safety and comfort within the premises.

Praveen Kumar also discussed equipping our crew with the best facilities not only improves their morale but also translates into better service for our customers. The innovative design and modern technological integration present in this Crew Running Room reflect our dedication to providing a working environment that meets global standards.

The new structure also takes a holistic view of waste management and sustainable site planning. The use of innovative materials, such as BULA OPUS, ensures that the aesthetics are not compromised while also being environmentally friendly.

World-Class Crew Running Room Opens at New Kanpur Station : A Modern Marvel in Freight Corridor Infrastructure

The running room at New Kanpur Junction has been developed with a capacity of 150 beds, which is extendable up to 300 beds to meet future requirements based on anticipated traffic growth and crew deployment patterns. New Kanpur serves as a centralized crew changing hub and has a strategic importance, with crews from multiple originating points including: Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU), GMC, Prayagraj (PRYJ) , Prayagraj Cheoki (PCOI), Tundla (TDL), Jhansi (JHS), Khurja (KRJ)

The location has been identified as a critical operational point due to its connectivity and frequency of crew interchanges. Special consideration has been given to accommodating female running staff. A total of 05 dedicated rooms with attached toilet facilities have been earmarked exclusively for female staff, ensuring privacy, safety, and comfort. This development reflects DFCCIL’s commitment to providing modern, inclusive, and operationally efficient crew facilities aligned with national standards and best practices.

Recently, on 22 April 25, New Kanpur station handled highest train crew change i.e 176 trains. Means every 8th minute crew changed at station with least infrastructure .

The Bhoomi Poojan ceremony, held on 14th February 2024, marked a significant milestone in the development of the Running Room project at New Kanpur Junction. Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL, who has been actively engaged since his appointment, continues to provide regular oversight and guidance. His leadership and persistent follow-up with Team Prayagraj underscore the importance of the project at the organizational level.

The Prayagraj team, under the expert guidance of CGM/Prayagraj, Devendra Singh, is working with dedication and efficiency to meet the defined targets. The completion of the running room building has been identified as a top operational priority, given its importance in ensuring crew welfare and operational readiness.

Praveen Kumar, MD/DFCCIL discussed during inauguration that the completion of the running room building was a priority for us, and the collaborative efforts of everyone involved are truly commendable.

As the dust settles on the inauguration, one thing is clear: the future of DFC railway freight services in India is not just about moving goods from point A to B; it is about doing so with an emphasis on the people who make it all possible.