RAILWAY SAMACHAR

CENTRAL RAILWAY CELEBRATES REPUBLIC DAY

Mumbai : Shri B. B. Modgil, General Manager, Central Railway unfurled the national flag and inspected the guard of honour presented by RPF contingent at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on the occasion of 60th Republic Day today.

Shri Modgil while addressing the gathering said, Central Railway has performed extremely well in the current financial year by registering a growth of 4.38% in the originating earnings. During the current financial year from April to December 2008, the originating earnings of Central Railway have improved to Rs. 4416 crores as compared to Rs. 4231 crores achieved during the corresponding period of last financial year.

He also said Central Railway achieved 56.85 million tonnes of originating loading during 2007-08 registering an increase of 3.93 million tonnes over 2006-07. During April to December 2008 Central Railway has carried 39.89 million tonnes of originating freight traffic. Central Railway has recorded an excellent performance in the passenger sector during the current financial year. During April to December 2008, Central Railway has carried 1130 million passengers as compared to 1096 million passengers during the same period last year.

Eight new mail/express trains were introduced on Central Railway during April to December 08 along with increase in frequency of six trains. Central Railway has also augmented 42 pairs of popular trains with 116 coaches. Central Railway achieved an originating earning of Rs.163.5 crores during April to December 2008 through 'other coaching services', which was 16.61% higher as compared to the earning during corresponding period of previous year.

Shri Modgil mentioned the successful implementation of "Go Mumbai" multi application contact-less smart card system, running of 818 summer special trains along with 433 other special trains during 2007-08, punctuality of 97.2% during 2008-09, relaxing 17 permanent speed restrictions on Mumbai Division, DC-AC conversion of Igatpuri-Titwala section and also test charging of Pune-Lonavala, and Karjat-Vangani sections, induction of next generation DC-AC EMU rakes, manufacturing 14 WDG3, 12 WDS6 and 3 ZDM3 narrow gauge Diesel Locomotives in Parel Workshop, record scrap sale of Rs.173.86 crores up to December 2008.

Commissioning of 3 Route Relay Interlocking, 6 Electronic Interlocking and 8 Panel Interlocking systems, completion of major works like Diva-Kalyan 5th and 6th lines, Kurduwadi-Usmanabad Broad Guage conversion, and Turbhe-Nerul new suburban corridor are notable achievements of Central Railway in garnering wide spread support and appreciation form the people.

Mumbai suburban train system is the lifeline of this metropolis where more than 3.5 million commuters travel every day and from 27.1.2009, 38 additional services are being introduced thus a total of 102 services have been introduced in the financial year. The total number of suburban services run daily from 27.1.2009 will be 1410.

The terrorist attack at CST has significantly changed the security perception all over the country. To strengthen the safety and security measures on railway premises, Central Railway has taken various steps like: increasing surveillance through CCTV cameras, positioning of security staff at strategic locations, patrolling of tracks, screening of passengers at Railway Stations and use of dog squads.

Shri Modgil also mentioned about the positive support from the Trade Unions and I thank them for their valuable contribution in maintaining harmonious Industrial Relations. He complimented all the officers, supervisors and staff for their excellent team work, dedication to duty and untiring efforts in achieving the objectives.