Title - Bottleneck for large loads hurting Dahej industry

Bharuch: Industrial units in Dahej are facing a serious problem as over-dimension consignments (ODCs) take excruciatingly long to cross the Bharuch-Dahej railway line, near Jambusar Chowkdi in Bharuch. Apart from industries, commuters on Dahej and Jambusar roads are also badly inconvenienced by long lines of waiting ODC containers, loaded with heavy equipment and machinery.Several Dahej-based industrial houses have also raised the issue of heavy charges levied by the railways to allow crossing of the line. "ODC containers up to 5.2m in height are charged Rs 98,055 and those above this height are charged Rs 1,66,356. It is a huge burden. As Dahej is a growing estate, several containers arrive here every day. The railway crossing is a big hurdle," an executive with a Dahej-based unit Rakesh Patel said."Further, to get clearance, one has to go to the railways authorities in Vadodara, at least twice, once to collect the demand note and then for payment. A team then arrives a few days later to remove the cables facilitate the ODCs to make the crossing. Why can't railway officials simplify this procedure," asks Patel.Senior divisional commercial manager U M Jha said, "Removing the high-tension electric line and related accessories is not an easy job. It requires safety personnel and other technical staff. Further, railway traffic is also affected as it also completely shuts down the entire route from Bharuch to Jambusar and Dahej for 6 or 7 hours. However, we will expedite the procedure soon."

"Ten goods trains pass this route every day and hence ODC clearance charges are fixed after considering various factors. The issue is serious, but it is expected to be resolved as soon as the overbridge on this track becomes operational," Jha said.