South Central Railway joined the Nation in celebrating the 77thIndependence Day today i.e., 15th August, 2023. Shri Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway hoisted the National flag and received the Guard of Honor at Railway Sport Complex Ground, Secunderabad. Senior Railway officials, staff, family members and students from Railway school and college also participated in the celebrations.
Shri Arun Kumar Jain in his address stated that it is a moment of great pride that Team SCR, alongside their families, has spontaneously responded to the clarion call of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. They have wholeheartedly embraced the "Har Ghar Tiranga" initiative, demonstrating enthusiasm by hoisting the national flag at their residences, he said.
Highlighting the outstanding achievements displayed by the zone during the last financial year, the General Manager stated that SCR has achieved its best-ever performance in various segments. He informed that the meticulous strategies executed by the team have resulted in the Gross Originating Revenue of the zone reaching Rs. 6,697 crores. The robust growth in revenue was driven by record-breaking earnings in both the Passenger and Freight sectors. The zone achieved remarkable freight revenue of Rs. 4,463 Crore, while the passenger segment contributed Rs. 1,937 Crore. These achievements were supported by effectively addressing the transportation requirements of 92 million passengers and 45.49 million tonnes of freight, he added.
Emphasizing on the safety aspect, Shri Arun Kumar Jain stated that Safety continues to be the overriding priority in all operations. After eliminating all unmanned level crossings, the Zone has taken up the task of systematically eliminating manned level crossings, he said. In the current fiscal nine manned LCs have been eliminated by constructing RUBs or ROBs. To strengthen our tracks, large-scale maintenance activity has been taken up and nearly 196 kms of track renewal has been carried out, he added. He also informed that the Kavach – India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection System has been extended to 1,465 kms.
Highlighting the Infrastructure development, the General Manager stated that the Zone continues to give a major thrust towards creation of infrastructure.During April – July, several works related to doubling & tripling of railway lines have been taken up including 20 Kms doubling between Tarlupadu – Jaggambotla Krishnapuram, 11 Kms doubling between Guntakal – Maddikera, 17 Kms doubling between Savalyapuram – Cheekateegalapalem and 17 Kms triplingbetween Nekkonda – Chintalpalli. To accommodate freight trains longer loop line has been commissioned at Makudi railway station, he said. Simultaneously, Mission Electrification has been progressing at a rapid pace with nearly 90% of the SCR rail network being electrified, he added.
Shri Arun Kumar Jain emphasized that Security of rail passengers is a priority aspect for SCR. To provide safety and security on the trains, 131 trains on the Zone are being escorted everyday by our RPF staff. Under “Operation Nanhe Farishte”, 450 children were rescued and handed over to their parents / rehabilitation centers.
Further, the General Manager stated that another critical area that has been taken up by the Zone has been the redevelopment of Railway Stations which are being upgraded to provide world-class facilities and act as regional growth centers. This initiative has also received a big fillip with the Hon’ble Prime Minister laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station as well as another 50 Stations across the Zone, as part of the “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’’, he informed. Adding a feather to the cap of SCR workshop landscape, our Hon’ble Prime Minister has also laid foundation stone for a Railway Manufacturing Unit at Kazipet at a cost of nearly Rs. 521 crores, he said.
Lastly, Shri Arun Kumar Jain appreciated team SCR and said that the prevailing positive work environment is one of the big assets of the zone. He stated that the reputation garnered by SCR as one of the best performing Zones not only bestows upon us an increased sense of responsibility but also motivates us to put-in increased efforts. Let us forge ahead with enhanced commitment and unwavering dedication to ensure SCR’s flag continues to soar proudly, the General Manager stated.
