Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway has earned a revenue of Rs 7137.74 crore during January to July, 2022 which is 13.55% more than the last year for the corresponding period. The operating ratio upto July’ 22 is 60.69 against previous year’s performance of 64.04%, General Manager (I/c), East Coast Railway, Sharad Kumar Srivastava said.
Indian Railways has set a Mission to achieve 3000 MT by 2027 in which ECoR has been assigned a major role with a target of about 500 MT. To achieve the same, many infrastructure projects have been sanctioned which will enhance the Rail network and mobility in the territory by enabling port connectivity to hinterlands and industrial hubs, he said.
“The railways have immensely contributed in every aspect and in a true sense it is the lifeline of the Nation,” he stated in a speech on the eve of 76th Independence Day.
“The journey of 75 years after independence is a reflection of grit, hard work, determination, resilience and perseverance of our countrymen. The ‘Har GharTiranga’ celebrated from 13th -15th August in ECoR saw 47,383 National Flags distributed and employees. Stickers of AKAM Logos have also been pasted with 371 locomotives and 3004 coaches,” he added.
Similarly, exhibitions were organised at 35 nominated stations in ECoR for observance of partition horror remembrance day. Exhibitions on the lives of National heroes have been displayed and events such as bike rallies were organized.
“To further the execution speed of important infrastructure projects, empowered Gati Shakti units have been established in all divisions. New line and doubling projects have gained momentum as a result of which Mahipur- Nuagaon( 13.05 kms) new line has been completed in recent past and 128 kms of doubling lines have been commissioned in the FY 2022-23 so far,” he said.
With a vision to further expand the rail network, 25 Surveys have been sanctioned during the recent times. In the FY 2022-23, highest ever Budget grant (CAPEX) of Rs 9343 Cr is sanctioned to ECoR. Safety has always been our topmost priority and a number of notable activities have been carried out to ensure safe operations.
Intensive preventive checks have been conducted, counselling of staff involved in operations is regularly done, and trainings are imparted for upgrading of skills & reflexes of staff. In the last year, ECoR retained the position of highest freight loading zone for the 4th successive year with an unprecedented all time high loading of 232.12MT.
ECoR has loaded freight of 77.25 MT upto July’ 22 and it is higher than the corresponding period of the previous year. Our Lead performance, NTKM, average speed of freight trains and other operational performances are better than last year.
“In coaching front many improvements have been made to provide our passengers safe and more comfortable services. A new daily passenger train Puri-Nuagaon-Puri has been introduced. 12871/72 HWH-TIG-HWH Ispat Express has been extended upto Kantabanji. 18443/44 CTC-PSA-CTC express has been extended uptoGunupur. 145 no. of Special trains (in trips) have run upto July’22 for clearing extra rush,” he added.
During Rath Yatra, 230 nos. of Special Trains were run. 1921 no of coaches were temporarily augmented by 149 nos of M/E trains. 11 rakes in 8 pairs of M/E trains have been upgraded to LHB. As the restrictions related to Covid are eased, ECoR has resumed 98.8% of M/E trains till date.
High-level Platforms in 13 no. of stations have been provided. Sliding booms at 36 L.C gates have been provided. 14 sets of HASSDAC have been commissioned which will ensure safe and reliable block working. New station buildings at Khurda Road, Patia PH and Vani Vihar PH have been inaugurated.
Intensive checks, raids, patrolling and a hawk’s eye have been undertaken by our security department to prevent criminal activities. RPF has registered 75 cases as against 39 cases during the same period of last year and recovered Rs. 17.15 lakh as against Rs.6.11 lakh during the same period.
Security department has arrested 59 touts involved in unauthorised booking & Reservation with the help of Cyber Cell by seizing 2093 tickets worth Rs.29.61 lakh and deactivated 350 fake Ids. Cyber cell has achieved commendable success in prevention of touting and other crimes through electronic modes.
During this period RPF has registered 78 cases with recovery of nearly 1535 Kgs of narcotics, valued to the tune of Rs.115 Lakh.
“Bhubaneswar Railway Station and Vishakhapatnam Railway Station was certified as “Eat Right Station” as per guidelines established by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). The recognized unions and associations have made notable contributions to not only staff welfare but also to the community surrounding us,” Srivastava added.
