Today (15^th August 2022), Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway celebrated the 76^th Independence Day at Divisional Railway Manager’s Office, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. Shri R Mukund, Divisional Railway Manager hoisted the National Flag in the presence of Shri P.T Benny, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Ms. Tanvi Praful Gupte, Sr.Divisional Security Commissioner, RPF, Branch Officers, Supervisors, Staff and their families. After hoisting the National Flag, the Divisional Railway Manager inspected the RPF parade contingents followed by a spectacular parade by RPF.

During his address, the Divisional Railway Manager briefly outlined the various performance highlights of Thiruvananthapuram Division.

Ø  The division achieved an overall gross earnings of 580.42 Crores upto July 2022. When the earnings had increased 139% in comparison to the previous year, the coordinated efforts had helped narrow down the operating ratio to 79% which is 43% lesser compared to the previous year.

Ø  The parcel earnings of 3.54 crs. achieved during July 2022 is one of the highest achieved since 2018.

Ø  The division earned an ever high cumulative ticket checking revenue of 7.77 crores. The previous month alone, the collective revenue earned on account of licence fees for Catering stalls, Parking, Advertisement and SLR Leasing was 1.6 Crores.

Ø  A major achievement is the introduction of Hand Held Terminals in 45 trains. The HHTs help automatic updation of current vacancies and allotment of vacant berths to waitlisted passengers while the train is running. Travelling Ticket Examiners no longer need to carry reservation charts. So far 186 HHTs are deployed in the division.

Ø  Hon’ble prime minister laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of Kanniyakumari station. The redevelopment of Kollam, Ernakulam Jn. and Ernakulam Town has also commenced. 

Ø  The completion of doubling between Ettumanoor-Chingavanam has eliminated a major operational bottleneck. Elimination of crossings improved the punctual running of prestigious trains like Venad, Vanchinad, Kerala express. Similarly doubling of Valliyur – Aralvaimoli section speeded up trains in the section. Completion of Nagercoil Town track diversion works is beneficial for running trains without losing prestigious time for reversal.

Ø  Station and Track side Beautification in CSR mode has been completed at Thrissur station. Similar works are going on in Alappuzha and Kayamkulam stations. This will be completed soon. Punkunnam station beautification under CSR mode completed this year.

Ø  State of the art Electronic Interlocking System conforming to latest international safety standards have been provided during FY 2021-2022 in Perinad and Sasthankotta. This year Electronic Interlocking of Alappuzha and Mararikulam completed and five more stations will be completed before March 2023.

Ø  Inorder to reduce the wastage of water and improve cleanliness of coaches, Mechanised coach cleaning has been introduced at Nagercoil, Kochuveli and Ernakulam coaching depots.

Ø  Post covid, resumption of linen service in AC coaches started from April 2022. The service resumed in 26 pair of trains. The BOOT laundry at Kochuveli and Nagercoil have started working already and Ernakulam BOOT Laundry is under the process of commissioning.

Ø  Railway Divisional Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram Pettah has been upgraded with a Oxygen Generator(PSA) plant. All the health units have successfully implemented digitisation. There is a perceptible transition in medical service delivery with the introduction of HMIS and UMID. The renovated Ophthalmology centre and UltraSound Doppler System & Labour Room facility helps provide most effective treatment.

Ø  Training is vital for improving service. Mission Karmayogi training imparted for improving the soft skills of all the operating and commercial frontline staff. The division has taken the responsibility to train unemployed Youth on trades such as Fitter, Welder, Machinist & Electrician and IT under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana