Southern Railways Locomotive Sheds: An Overview

Southern Railways, a prominent part of the Indian Railways network, operates several locomotive sheds across its extensive network in India. These sheds play a critical role in maintaining and repairing the locomotives that serve the Southern Railway zone. As of the latest updates, there are around six major locomotive sheds under Southern Railways, including Chennai Egmore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, and Palakkad.

Diesel Locomotive Sheds

Southern Railway Diesel Loco Sheds:
Southern Railway has several diesel locomotive sheds spread across its network. Notably, these sheds serve a variety of roles ranging from regular maintenance to specific past roles. Here are the key diesel loco sheds and their operations:

Ernakulam

The only diesel loco shed in Kerala, it holds WDM2, WDM3, AWDG3, AWDGS6, and previously held the rare WDM7. Golden Rock Ponmalai: This shed is known for its diverse fleet, including WDM2, WDM3, AWDP3, AWDG3, AWDG4, WDP4d, YDM4, and now YDM2 WDS6, which are mainly used for hauling the Nilgiri Heritage train. Tondiyarpet: This shed was established for shunting needs and once held a rare WDM7 locomotive, but it now functions only for diesel hydraulic locomotive WDS6, the only one of its kind in India, developed by CLW West Bengal. Erode: The oldest diesel loco shed in Southern Railway, it holds WDM2, WDM3, AWDG3, WDS6, WDM3, DWDG3, WDP4d, and WDG4. It was established in 1966 with 21 WDM2 EMD locomotives arriving in 2014, making it the only shed with WDM3D locomotives in Southern Railway.

Electric Locomotive Sheds:
Southern Railway also has several electric locomotive sheds that serve crucial roles in the network. These sheds house a variety of electric locomotives and play a critical role in the modernization of the Southern Railway system.

Arakkonam

Holds a successful 25kV AC mixed service locomotives like WAM4, WAP1, WAG5, and WAG7. It is the oldest electric locomotive shed in Southern Railway.

Royapuram

Established in 2010, it holds WAP7 and WAP4 locomotives, making it the only shed with WAP7 locomotives in Southern Railway. Earlier, it also housed WAP1 locos.

Erode

Holds WAP4 and WAG7 locomotives, making it a significant shed in the Southern Railway network.

Overall, Southern Railway's locomotive sheds embody the diverse needs and capabilities required to maintain and upgrade its rail network, ensuring efficiency and reliability for passenger and freight services alike.