From station redevelopment to running the highest number of special trains, Thiruvananthapuram Division continues to prioritize passenger-centric initiatives by ensuring modern, aesthetic, and user-friendly amenities coupled with punctual train operations, Manish Thaplyal, Divisional Railway Manager(DRM), Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division has said.
He was speaking after unfurling the tricolour and inspecting a parade by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) contingent, RPF Women’s Battalion and St.Johns Ambulance Brigade Band of Southern Railway, Thiruvananthapuram Division on the occasion of 76th Republic Day celebrations here on Sunday.
In his address, Mr. Thaplyal highlighted the division’s achievements on various fronts during the current financial year. He said that from station redevelopment to operating the highest number of special trains, Thiruvananthapuram Division continued to prioritise passenger-centric initiatives by ensuring modern, aesthetic, and user-friendly amenities alongside punctual train operations.
Mr. Thaplyal noted that Southern Railway had received the Indian Railway Overall Efficiency Shields for Civil Engineering, Comprehensive Health Care, and Security for the year 2024. The DRM emphasised the division’s uncompromising commitment to safety. He said the division witnessed zero accidents or unusual occurrences during the year.
The gross revenue of the Thiruvananthapuram Division stood at ₹1,716.42 crore, marking a 9% growth over the previous year. “As many as 8.1 crore passengers commenced their journeys from stations under the division, underscoring its pivotal role in transport and connectivity,” Mr. Thaplyal said, adding that close to five lakh passengers travelled in the Sabarimala special trains. Freight revenue reached ₹305.19 crore, while non-fare revenue rose to ₹24.38 crore during the financial year.
The DRM said redevelopment projects were under way at major stations including Thiruvananthapuram Central, Ernakulam Junction, Kollam Junction, and Varkala Sivagiri. “Track renewal of 75 km, reconstruction of 10 major bridges and speed enhancements to 100 Kmph on the Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam stretch were achieved. The double line between Nagercoil Town and Kanyakumari along with the Aralvaimozhi–Nagercoil Junction section has been completed,” Mr. Thaplyal said.
The installation of advanced electronic interlocking systems has been completed at 32 stations, with work progressing at other stations. Safety measures, including emergency sliding booms and electrically operated lifting barriers, are being implemented at level crossings, he added. Southern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation under the leadership of its president Kavitha Thaplyal organised self-defence camps, essay and drawing competitions, happiness programmes for children and various other welfare initiatives for railway employees and their families. The event concluded with cultural programmes performed by railway staff and their families.
Published – January 27, 2025 07:24 pm IST
