31 March 2007
ICF Poised For Upgradation
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is all set to go in for an upgradation to ready its factory in Perambur to meet the increased yearly production target of 1500 coaches by 2009.
These include upgrading production units by adding additional work sheds, more laser cutting and welding equipment and installing fume extractors to improve work environment at a cost of Rs.300 crore.
As the current eight sheds are inadequate to work on the hiked target, the factory has borrowed 6750 square metres of land from the Southern Railway, which would be used to build additional sheds. ICF is planning to lay more focus on modernizing welding because that is the core process in the making of an integral coach. Hence, plans are on for installing more laser cutting and welding machines. One such machine and experimental robot was introduced in 2006-07.
As there were suggestions to improve the aesthetics of the coaches produced, the factory was also planning to invest Rs.35 crore for the painting unit.
A new painting berth has been installed and works are being carried out there on an experimental basis. If that is found suitable, more such berths may be introduced.