The 74th Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) Meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager (In-Charge), South Central Railway today i.e. 26th August, 2022 at Railway Officer’s Club, Secunderabad. Shri Nama Nageshwar Rao, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Khammam participated in the meeting. 41 ZRUCC Members including members nominated by State Govts., elected members from DRUCC (Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee) of six Divisions, Public Sector Undertaking, Principal Chamber of Commerce & Trade Associations, Registered Passengers Association, nominees of Hon’ble Minister of Railways under special interest category also participated in the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Arun Kumar Jain stated that South Central Railway is the best performing zone bestowed with five Performance Efficiency Shields (2021-22), which is the highest across Indian Railways. He stated that the zone has been undertaking several transformational initiatives in Passenger and Freight traffic segments. As a result, the Zone has recorded originating freight loading of 43.5 Million tonnes during April – July 2022 generating Rs. 4048 Crores in freight revenue. on passenger front, the Zone has carried 78 Million passengers generating the revenue of Rs 1617 Crores during the first four months of current financial year i.e., 2022-2023. The General Manager also informed that the zone has taken special focus on infrastructure development, in this regard, the zone has successfully completed Akanapet - Medak New line project, Bhadrachalam - Sattupalli new line project, Secunderabad - Mahabubnagar Double line project, while Gooty - Dharmavaram doubling project is in the final stages of completion. Towards Mission electrification, the Zone has completed record electrification of 770 Rkm during the last fiscal, which is the best performance by any zone across Indian Railways
The General Manager informed that the Zone has operated 719 special trains to cater the needs of travelling public and 5385 Extra coaches of different classes have been augmented to the regular trains to provide additional travel facility. Further, he stated that to strengthen the safety of train operations, Kavach – IR’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection System – has been extended to 1,454 kms of SCR rail network. Towards security of the rail users, Video surveillance cameras are being installed at 76 stations of SCR under Nirbhaya fund in the first phase which covers the major railway stations of the Zone, he added.
Shri Arun Kumar Jain informed that the zone has undertaken redevelopment of Tirupati and Nellore Railway stations. Tenders have also been released for redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway station. Provision of improved passenger amenities is the top priority of the zone, 124 lifts and 66 escalators are available across the Zone at 51 stations and 21 stations respectively, he said. Further, the General Manager informed that Digital India program has been given major boost, cashless facility has been introduced at all the areas of the Zone, in addition, UTS Mobile App and ATVM facilities are also available.
Shri Arun Kumar Jain assured the ZRUCC members that their suggestions and views expressed during the meeting will be given due consideration while formulating plans for improving passenger amenities and services. The members were also apprised of the performance of SCR and developmental works under progress through a power point presentation.
The members appreciated the efforts of SCR and its positive response to representations of members. The suggestions from various members include running of more number of special trains, additional stoppage of express trains; improved Rail connectivity, setting up of more additional escalators and lifts; provision of more Jan ahaar stalls; extension of platforms; augmentation of trains by additional coaches; construction of ROBs/RUBs; expedition completion of new line and doubling projects; enhancing security on trains especially for women passengers.
Shri Chinni Gangadhar Rao, member of ZRUCC was elected to represent SCR in the National Railway Users Consultative Committee (NRUCC) during the meeting. Shri Mutyala Naidu, Deputy General Manager (General) and Secretary ZRUCC convened the meeting.
