South Central Railway General Manager’s Message 68th Independence Day 15.08.2014
Dear Members of the Railway Family,
My warm greetings to you all on the momentous occasion of 68th Independence Day celebrations. The flutter of the Tri-colour this day rekindles the flavour of our freedom struggle, spirit of patriotism and the sense of oneness amongst us. Indian Railways – which bridges People and Places - continues to be a proud partner in India’s forward march on the path of progress. South Central Railway, being a popular public transportation service provider in this region, continues to play a significant role in this process of growth.
Our performance in the current financial year so far has been extremely promising. The Gross Earnings for the period April-July 2014 were `3897 Crs., which signified a robust growth of 16% over last year. During this period, we achieved 37.4 million tonnes of originating freight loading, which is 6.4% higher over last year. We carried around 10.4 lakhs of originating passengers on an average per day. Our Operating Ratio, which is a benchmark of financial health, has improved to 75.9% in the current financial year so far compared to 82.8% in the previous year.
The recent accident at an unmanned level crossing near Masaipet was quite unfortunate and distressing. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family members of the deceased and deep sorrow to the injured. Though loss of life cannot be compensated by any means, SCR on its part made the best possible efforts for rescue and relief. Ensuring the safety and security of passengers has always been accorded the highest priority and accordingly several focused measures have been initiated in this direction. In view of the safety risks associated with the unmanned level crossings, SCR has taken steps to deploy manpower – utilizing both the internal and external resources – to counsel the road users on safety so as to avoid any untoward incidents at unmanned LCs. In this connection, SCR has already drawn up an action plan to eliminate all unmanned LCs by FY 2016-17.440 unmanned level crossings were eliminated during the last 4 years. The process of eliminating the remaining ones has been speeded up as 31 such crossings were removed during April-July 2014.
Special drives and Public sensitization programmes have been taken up on the safety precautions to be taken by road users at unmanned crossings. In addition, awareness campaigns have been launched by deploying RPF at high traffic density manned level crossing gates to educate the road users on the danger of trespassing a closed gate. This Railway is firmly committed to zero-tolerance for any violation of safety norm at any level.
To enhance passenger security, 280 RPF personnel have been deployed for escorting 96 trains in identified vulnerable sections in addition to strengthening their presence at stations & vital installations as needed. Integrated Security System is being set up at a cost of Rs.6.2 Crs at 3 high passenger density stations – Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Tirupati. This system consists of various specialized security features like CCTV surveillance, access control, baggage scanning, under vehicle scanning and bomb detection & disposal system etc for providing improved security cover. As Railways offer a cost-effective and convenient mode of public transport, demands for new trains arise continuously. SCR is responsive to the rail travel needs of the people and has been introducing several new trains regularly. 3 new budgeted trains – 2 AC double decker trains from Kacheguda to Guntur and Tirupati; and a weekly express train from Kacheguda to Nagercoil – were introduced till now in the current fiscal year.
To handle the recent summer rush, SCR operated 216 special trains and attached 4761 extra coaches, benefitting 4.1 lakh passengers. The carrying capacity of 16 trains has been augmented by attaching 18 coaches, which generated 1296 additional berths on a permanent basis during April to July 2014. Running of the train services is being intensely monitored, which resulted in 95% of punctuality for Mail/Express trains .
Emphasis is being given on offering a convenient and comfortable travel service to our valued customers. Several initiatives have been taken in this direction like mechanized cleaning of coaches and station premises; induction of eco-friendly bio-toilets; modern laundries for supplying quality linen; hygienic catering services and LED-based passenger guidance boards etc. In continuation to the innovative concept of ‘HYLITES’, a smart phone app for live rail related enquiries in twin cities, another app, ‘TADAAST’ (Train Arrival Departure and Amenities at Stations), has been placed on the Web. It is being developed as a mobile app also for live streaming of train running data at 25 major stations on smart phones.
Passenger amenity works worth `96 Crs. were completed during the last financial year. Upgrading the passenger facilities at stations/on trains is a continuous process on SCR. 48 Stations have so far been developed as Adarsh Stations and works are under progress at 3 more Stations. To take care of the needs of the senior citizens, sickly and differently-abled passengers etc, 32 lifts and 26 escalators have so far been commissioned at 16 stations. In addition 28 more lifts and 22 escalators will also be provided at major stations shortly.
To expand the reach of reservation facility, computerised PRS was commissioned at 4 non-railhead locations in this year so far. We are actively promoting the schemes of Jansadharan Ticket Booking Sewak (JTBS), Station Booking Sewak (STBS) and Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) so as to reduce the queues at general ticket counters.
To meet the future traffic potential on SCR, enhancing the capacity on the congested trunk routes and various de-bottlenecking works are being given major thrust. Works on infrastructure projects like new lines, doubling, electrification, road over/under bridges and traffic facility works etc. are being monitored closely for their expeditious completion. During 2013-14, 95 Kms of New Railway Lines; 69 ROBs / RUBs and Electrification of two major sections on Mumbai route viz, Secunderabad–Wadi and Renigunta–Guntakal were commissioned.
The remarkable performance of SCR owes a lot to the strength of its committed and disciplined workforce. Constructive role being played by the trade unions in maintaining a smooth work environment is truly worth appreciating. Towards staff wellbeing, a modern cardiac cath lab unit will be established shortly at Central Hospital, Lallaguda. In addition, works for the construction of a 80-bed extension block and cardio thoracic operation theatre at Lallaguda have been initiated.
The role of SCR Women’s Welfare Organization in undertaking welfare oriented social activities and of SCR Lalitha Kala Samithi in patronizing arts and culture is highly laudable. We are proud that our sports personnel have won laurels at several national and international events. It has been made possible due to the encouragement being given to the sporting talent by SCR Sports Association.
Despite our achievements so far, I would like to caution you that the challenges ahead are daunting and expectations of the people are very high. It is our bounden duty to continuously excel through systemic improvements and innovations in our work sphere to beat all the odds and succeed. on this solemn occasion, let us renew our commitment and dedication to strive to surpass our set targets and scale new heights of success in the current financial year.
Jai Hind!
Dear Members of the Railway Family,
My warm greetings to you all on the momentous occasion of 68th Independence Day celebrations. The flutter of the Tri-colour this day rekindles the flavour of our freedom struggle, spirit of patriotism and the sense of oneness amongst us. Indian Railways – which bridges People and Places - continues to be a proud partner in India’s forward march on the path of progress. South Central Railway, being a popular public transportation service provider in this region, continues to play a significant role in this process of growth.
Our performance in the current financial year so far has been extremely promising. The Gross Earnings for the period April-July 2014 were `3897 Crs., which signified a robust growth of 16% over last year. During this period, we achieved 37.4 million tonnes of originating freight loading, which is 6.4% higher over last year. We carried around 10.4 lakhs of originating passengers on an average per day. Our Operating Ratio, which is a benchmark of financial health, has improved to 75.9% in the current financial year so far compared to 82.8% in the previous year.
The recent accident at an unmanned level crossing near Masaipet was quite unfortunate and distressing. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family members of the deceased and deep sorrow to the injured. Though loss of life cannot be compensated by any means, SCR on its part made the best possible efforts for rescue and relief. Ensuring the safety and security of passengers has always been accorded the highest priority and accordingly several focused measures have been initiated in this direction. In view of the safety risks associated with the unmanned level crossings, SCR has taken steps to deploy manpower – utilizing both the internal and external resources – to counsel the road users on safety so as to avoid any untoward incidents at unmanned LCs. In this connection, SCR has already drawn up an action plan to eliminate all unmanned LCs by FY 2016-17.440 unmanned level crossings were eliminated during the last 4 years. The process of eliminating the remaining ones has been speeded up as 31 such crossings were removed during April-July 2014.
Special drives and Public sensitization programmes have been taken up on the safety precautions to be taken by road users at unmanned crossings. In addition, awareness campaigns have been launched by deploying RPF at high traffic density manned level crossing gates to educate the road users on the danger of trespassing a closed gate. This Railway is firmly committed to zero-tolerance for any violation of safety norm at any level.
To enhance passenger security, 280 RPF personnel have been deployed for escorting 96 trains in identified vulnerable sections in addition to strengthening their presence at stations & vital installations as needed. Integrated Security System is being set up at a cost of Rs.6.2 Crs at 3 high passenger density stations – Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Tirupati. This system consists of various specialized security features like CCTV surveillance, access control, baggage scanning, under vehicle scanning and bomb detection & disposal system etc for providing improved security cover. As Railways offer a cost-effective and convenient mode of public transport, demands for new trains arise continuously. SCR is responsive to the rail travel needs of the people and has been introducing several new trains regularly. 3 new budgeted trains – 2 AC double decker trains from Kacheguda to Guntur and Tirupati; and a weekly express train from Kacheguda to Nagercoil – were introduced till now in the current fiscal year.
To handle the recent summer rush, SCR operated 216 special trains and attached 4761 extra coaches, benefitting 4.1 lakh passengers. The carrying capacity of 16 trains has been augmented by attaching 18 coaches, which generated 1296 additional berths on a permanent basis during April to July 2014. Running of the train services is being intensely monitored, which resulted in 95% of punctuality for Mail/Express trains .
Emphasis is being given on offering a convenient and comfortable travel service to our valued customers. Several initiatives have been taken in this direction like mechanized cleaning of coaches and station premises; induction of eco-friendly bio-toilets; modern laundries for supplying quality linen; hygienic catering services and LED-based passenger guidance boards etc. In continuation to the innovative concept of ‘HYLITES’, a smart phone app for live rail related enquiries in twin cities, another app, ‘TADAAST’ (Train Arrival Departure and Amenities at Stations), has been placed on the Web. It is being developed as a mobile app also for live streaming of train running data at 25 major stations on smart phones.
Passenger amenity works worth `96 Crs. were completed during the last financial year. Upgrading the passenger facilities at stations/on trains is a continuous process on SCR. 48 Stations have so far been developed as Adarsh Stations and works are under progress at 3 more Stations. To take care of the needs of the senior citizens, sickly and differently-abled passengers etc, 32 lifts and 26 escalators have so far been commissioned at 16 stations. In addition 28 more lifts and 22 escalators will also be provided at major stations shortly.
To expand the reach of reservation facility, computerised PRS was commissioned at 4 non-railhead locations in this year so far. We are actively promoting the schemes of Jansadharan Ticket Booking Sewak (JTBS), Station Booking Sewak (STBS) and Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) so as to reduce the queues at general ticket counters.
To meet the future traffic potential on SCR, enhancing the capacity on the congested trunk routes and various de-bottlenecking works are being given major thrust. Works on infrastructure projects like new lines, doubling, electrification, road over/under bridges and traffic facility works etc. are being monitored closely for their expeditious completion. During 2013-14, 95 Kms of New Railway Lines; 69 ROBs / RUBs and Electrification of two major sections on Mumbai route viz, Secunderabad–Wadi and Renigunta–Guntakal were commissioned.
The remarkable performance of SCR owes a lot to the strength of its committed and disciplined workforce. Constructive role being played by the trade unions in maintaining a smooth work environment is truly worth appreciating. Towards staff wellbeing, a modern cardiac cath lab unit will be established shortly at Central Hospital, Lallaguda. In addition, works for the construction of a 80-bed extension block and cardio thoracic operation theatre at Lallaguda have been initiated.
The role of SCR Women’s Welfare Organization in undertaking welfare oriented social activities and of SCR Lalitha Kala Samithi in patronizing arts and culture is highly laudable. We are proud that our sports personnel have won laurels at several national and international events. It has been made possible due to the encouragement being given to the sporting talent by SCR Sports Association.
Despite our achievements so far, I would like to caution you that the challenges ahead are daunting and expectations of the people are very high. It is our bounden duty to continuously excel through systemic improvements and innovations in our work sphere to beat all the odds and succeed. on this solemn occasion, let us renew our commitment and dedication to strive to surpass our set targets and scale new heights of success in the current financial year.
Jai Hind!
