Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway celebrated the 76th Republic Day with patriotic fervor today at the Divisional Railway Manager’s Office here. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from officers, staff, and their families.
Dr. Manish Thaplyal, Divisional Railway Manager(DRM), unfurled the tricolor flag, inspected the RPF captivating parade that had RPF Women’s Battalion and St.Johns Ambulance Brigade Band of Thiruvananthapuram Division. In his address The DRM highlighted the remarkable achievements made by the division in various fronts during the current financial year.
Highlights of DRM’s Republic Day Speech:
Redevelopment and Modernization
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.
Awards and Achievements
Southern Railway received the Indian Railway Overall Efficiency Shields for Civil Engineering, Comprehensive Health Care, and Security for the year 2024.
Priority on Safety
The division recorded zero accidents or unusual occurrences during the year, reflecting its uncompromising commitment to safety.
Commercial
Gross revenue stood at ₹1,716.42 crores, marking a 9% growth over the previous year.
8.1 crore passengers commenced journey from the stations(ie. 2 times the population of Kerala) , underscoring the division’s pivotal role in transport and connectivity.
Freight revenue reached ₹305.19 crores, while non-fare revenue rose to ₹24.38 crores.
Operating
Kochuveli and Nemom stations were renamed as Thiruvananthapuram North (TVCN) and Thiruvananthapuram South (TVCS), respectively
By operating the highest number of Sabarimala Special Trains this year close to 5 lakh passengers travelled in these trains.
Engineering Progress
Redevelopment projects are underway at major stations including Thiruvananthapuram Central, Ernakulam Jn, Kollam Jn, and Varkala Sivagiri.
Track renewal of 75 km, 10 major bridge reconstructions, and speed enhancements to 100 Kmph on the Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam stretch were achieved.
The double line between Nagercoil Town and Kanniyakumari, along with the Aralvaimoli–Nagercoil Jn section, has been completed.
Signal & Telecommunication
Conversion of 32 stations to advanced electronic interlocking systems is complete, with work progressing on additional stations.
Safety measures, including emergency sliding booms and electrically operated lifting barriers, are being implemented at level crossings.
Medical Excellence
The Divisional Railway Hospital at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah achieved NABH accreditation, becoming the first Divisional Railway Hospital to get NABH accredited in Indian Railways.
Modern equipment and upgraded health units enhance healthcare services for railway personnel.
Mechanical
The 20-coach Vande Bharat Express was introduced on the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod route to provide a convenient journey for more passengers.
LHB coaches were introduced on key trains, and the commissioning of a new pit wheel lathe at Ernakulam has ensured efficient train maintenance.
RPF Initiatives
RPF personnel have excelled in ensuring 24×7 security and have been lauded for their efforts in reuniting families and owners with their belongings under the Nanhe Farishte initiative.
Employee Welfare
Sports events for staff viz Intra-divisional Badminton and Cricket and other activities were organized to foster team spirit and improve the health and fitness among employees.
Rajbhasha Achievements
The in-house Rajbhasha magazine, SANGAM, received the prestigious Utkrisht Griha Patrika Puraskar in Thiruvananthapuram region.
Financial
Effective financial reviews led to savings of nearly ₹1 crore and timely payment of bills, earning dividends as incentives.
SRWWO Initiatives
Under the leadership of Smt. Kavitha Thaplyal, President, Southern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation, SRWWO organised self-defense camps, essay and drawing competitions, happiness programs for children and various other welfare programs for the benefit of railway employees and their families.
The event concluded with cultural programs performed by railway staff and their families.
Republic Day Celebrations were also organized at major stations, offices and field units across the division.
