Independence Day Celebration by Railways

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division celebrated 70th Independence Day of the Nation at the Divisional OfficeThycaud,Trivandrum. Prakash Butani Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram Division, hoisted the National Flag and reviewed the marchpast by RPF. As a symbol of freedom DRM released white doves and tri-colour balloon bunches in to air. Railway Officers, Railway staff, their families, press and media persons and public attended the function . The parade was followed up with brief cultural programmes.
During his address, , Divisional Railway Manager read out the message of Vasishta Johri General Manager, Southern Railway.
An excerpt of message by General Manager:-
Southern Railway has always been on the forefront in implementing Budget promises of  Minister of Railways. In this year too, Southern Railway is actively striving to achieve all the targets set by Minister of Railways and Railway Board.
On the earnings front, so far the gross apportioned earnings up to July, has been Rs.2471.14 crores, reflecting a shortfall of Rs.176.2 Crores. This is 6.6% less than the last year actuals of Rs.2647.3 crores for the same period. Shortfall in earnings is due to drop in number of passengers carried, by 4.6 million, upto July, compared to that of last year i.e.-1.7 % and due to drop in loading by 0.5MT i.e.-4.1 %.
Drop in freight loading is mainly due to less intake of coal by thermal power plants. Railway Board has announced slew of incentives to the industry to broaden and increase our freight loading. The drop in passenger volume is a cause of worry and this has been so for the last 2 years. However, the efforts are always on by way of running 435 special trains, permanently augmenting 34 coaches in popular trains, temporarily augmenting 1441 coaches thereby creating an additional 1,11,583 berths, in the first quarter.
On the project side, 3 block sections of 22.5 km of doubling in Ernakulam – Kayankulam section is ready for Commissioner, Railway Safety’s inspection in this month. Gauge conversion works, between Sengottai and Punalur (49 km) sections, is also being pursued.
Further, ROB/RUBs works at about 75 locations, are also progressing well, in this year.
Last year Rs.93 crores was spent for passenger amenity works. Wi-fi services will be provided in 7 stations in Tamil Nadu and 6 stations in Kerala this year(phase -1). Already 3 stations viz. Chennai Central, Ernakulam Junction, and Tiruchchirappally Junction have been provided with fast Wi-fi services. 17 escalators covering 5 stations have so far been commissioned this year. 30 more escalators and 39 lifts in 18 stations are in various stages of progress.
Southern Railway is proud to have the first Green Train corridor of our country between Rameswaram and Manamadurai. Towards Green initiative, a number of tree saplings have been planted and further, we plan to plant 2 lakh more tree saplings, with the cooperation of Forest Department and State Governments.
Southern Railway also use social media for feedback and complaint redress system in a big way through Rail Min India portal with Twitter and Facebook. Southern Railway gives utmost priority to safety and security of passengers. 13 bridges have been rehabilitated in the year. During the current year, 7 LCs have been manned and 44 LCs have been eliminated and 9 LC gates have been interlocked.
Southern Railway intends to commission Integrated emergency response management system at a cost of Rs.67.9 crores, covering 136 stations over the zone under Nirbhaya fund, which includes all suburban stations in Chennai area. Railway Hospital, Perambur, is well renowned for its expertise in various fields of medical specialities. As announced by Minister of Railways in the budget, this is the first Hospital where AYUSH has been started.
Southern Railway wished all success to athletes Tintu Luka, Ranjith Maheshwary and Weightlifter S. Satish Kumar, who are now participating in the Olympic Games at Rio De Janeiro, accompanied by .P. T. Usha and C. R. Kumar, as coaches of Indian team, which again, is a pride to the Southern Railway.
The Railway employees were also thanked for their efforts in all achievements of Southern Railway. They have been implored to re-dedicate themselves for betterment of the zone and system in future.