The 75th Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) Meeting of Thiruvananthapuram Division was held under the chairmanship of Shri R Mukund, Divisional Railway Manager(DRM) today ie. 21st December, 2021. Sixteen members including nominees of Hon’ble MP’s, Chamber of Commerce, Registered Passenger Associations, Handicapped(Divyang) Welfare Corporation, Railway Board and representative of Legislative Assembly attended the meeting. As per Railway Board guidelines, the DRUCC meeting was conducted for the first time through Virtual Mode.
Shri P .T Benny, Additional DRM/Thiruvananthapuram Division welcomed members of the committee. A brief account of recent initiatives by the division was explained through a PowerPoint presentation with the following highlights.
· Passenger and Freight Performance Post COVID.
· Phased reintroduction of Trains after COVID19 lockdown.
· Upgradation of Trains with LHB coaches.
· Special arrangements made during Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season.
· Introduction of Lift & Escalators at Major stations.
· Multilevel parking and FOBs.
· New Infrastructure in Nagercoil Town station.
· Braille Signage inside Coaches for the benefit of Visually Challenged(Divyang) Passengers
· Perishable and Agriculture products transported as parcel traffic.
Shri R Mukund, DRM informed that the division is committed to meet passenger expectations and ensuring safety, security and punctuality. Restoration of trains will continue in a phased manner and various steps have been taken to provide the best possible passenger amenities. He assured the DRUCC members that the suggestions and views expressed during the meeting will be given due consideration and those subjects that require Zonal and Railway Board approval will be highlighted at appropriate levels.
The Committee members presented their demands which included the doubling of tracks, introduction of additional train services, additional unreserved coaches, restoration of passenger trains, extension of trains, additional stoppages, passenger amenities, restoration of buggy service for Aged and Divyang passengers, additional amenities and infrastructure in railway stations etc.
Shri Jerin G. Anand, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager and Secretary, DRUCC, Thiruvananthapuram Division delivered the Vote of Thanks. All concerned branch officers attended the meeting.
