South Western Railway continued their dedicated efforts towards achieving notable milestones. SWR registered the highest ever total revenue from January to December 202 of Rs 7509 crores and the highest ever passenger revenue of Rs. 2534 crores.
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- In all our endeavours, our focus has been on the common railway passenger- to provide modern, world-class facilities to common railway passengers, Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal was developed at Bengaluru. This was dedicated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Jun 20, 2022.
- Similarly, Yesvantpur and Bengaluru Cantonment stations are also being redeveloped. The foundation stone was laid for these projects by Hon’ble PM on Jun 20, 2022. These stations will emerge as ‘urban icons’ of Bengaluru and ‘City Centre’ – abuzz with commercial activities 24×7, in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister.
- Dharwad station has been redeveloped with passenger-friendly amenities such as comfortable waiting rooms, retiring rooms, improved circulating area, new FOB etc. 3rd entry at SSS Hubballi was commissioned keeping up with the growing needs of the city. This will decongest the main entry and the remodelled Hubballi Yard caters to the growth in transport for the next 2-3 decades.
- These projects were dedicated to the nation by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics & IT and Communications and Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines on 11 October 2022. Belagavi and Hosapete stations have also undergone face-lift with new facilities enhancing connectivity, comfort and convenience. Immense thrust has been given to improving infrastructure.
- In 2022-23, our capital outlay stands at Rs.6900 crores, which is the highest ever, since the formation of the zone. We have achieved the highest ever electrification in a given year: 712 route km. This is a big milestone towards becoming a ‘Green Railway’.
- In 2022, we commissioned a 22 km New Line, 210 km Doubling. on date, SWR is running 75 trains on electric traction, as compared to 63 trains in 2021. By commissioning 19 Road Over Bridges, and 35 Road Under Bridges, we have made travelling safer for both rail as well as road users.
- The first Gati Shakti Terminal of SWR was launched at Sivadi. Gati Shakti Project Units have been commissioned in all the 3 Divisions, to speed up the execution of key infrastructure projects.
- Even with the progress of infrastructure development projects, we have ensured that minimal disruption is caused in day to day train services, and have been conscious of the needs of our passengers- SWR has maintained Punctuality at an impressive 94%, achieving the 3rd position among all zones of Indian Railway. We have recorded the best improvement in Mobility among all the zones of IR. The average speed of goods trains in SWR increased by 58% on 808 km speed potential was increased to 110 kmph.
- During festivals, and holidays, 161 additional trains were run and 2585 additional coaches were augmented, helping you reach your near and dear ones, in time. 4 pairs of New Trains were introduced, and 91 trains were speeded up in 2022.
- Keeping a diligent vigil, 786 minor boys and 323 minor girls were rescued in stations/on-board trains in 2022.
- SWR has emerged as a transporter of choice for automobile manufacturers: the highest ever automobile transport – 404 rakes – has been achieved in 2022! This is an increase of 70% over last year! Our major customers include Toyota, Kia, Ashok Leyland, TVS etc. From Jan to Dec 2022, we transported 45 million tonnes of cargo and operated 3201 leased parcel vans, 151 trips of leased Parcel Cargo Express Trains thereby playing a vital role in keeping the supply chain of essential commodities intact. Partnering pro-actively with Postal Dept, we have introduced Joint Parcel Product to bridge the gap in first and last mile connectivity.
- Safety and mobility have been given prime importance: NTKM (Net Tonne KiloMetre) which is a measure of improvement in quantum and efficiency of freight loading went up by 12% in 2022 as compared to 2021. We have undertaken regular training and counselling sessions for our frontline staff to maintain safe train operations. There have been zero consequential (major) accidents in 2022.
- SWR aims at sustainable development. Being environmentally conscious, we have created an inventory of water assets for the first time ever, to protect and nurture them. Scientific solid waste management, rain water harvesting, effective harnessing of solar energy have been initiated by SWR Women’s Welfare Organisation.
- General Manager Shri Sanjeev Kishore has stated that in 2023, we aim to break our previous records and rededicate ourselves to developing world class infrastructure, offering high quality services resulting in a memorable and enjoyable rail-travel/transport experience for our passengers and freight customers. He has thanked all the railway employees for their selfless, sincere efforts and hard work which enabled us to achieve several milestones in 2022.
Source: South Western Railway- Press Release | Image Credit (representational): MoR
