Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway celebrated the 73rd Republic Day today (26th January, 2022) at the Railway Divisional Office, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
Shri R Mukund, Divisional Railway Manager(DRM) unfurled the National Flag in the presence of Ms. Tanvi Praful Gupte, Sr.Divisional Security Commissioner(Sr.DSC), RPF, and received the salute of RPF contingent. Shri P.T Benny, Additional Divisional Railway Manager(ADRM), Branch Officers, Supervisors and Staff attended the function adhering to COVID19 protocols.
Addressing the gathering, DRM congratulated the officers and staff for their dedicated efforts in improving the division’s performance and for providing better service to passengers.
Thiruvananthapuram Division has improved its rankings in Key Performance Indicators(KPI) set by the Railway Board. In December 2021 the division has been ranked 9th among 68 divisions of Indian Railway.
For the Financial Year 21-22, up to December 2021, Thiruvananthapuram Divisions’ gross earnings stood at 766.23 Crores, which is 143.44% higher than the previous year earnings. 18 Full Tarrif Rake(FTR) trains brought an earnings Rs.2.4 Crores and the Ticket checking Penalty earnings reached an ever high of 12.76 Crores. The intensive marketing efforts resulted in new parcel traffic in the form of GI Tagged Vazhakkulam Pineapples transported on an experimental basis from Ernakulam Jn. to H.Nizamuddin. The SLR utilization jumped from 9% to 14% in December 2021. Inward freight movement had a new example when the division reached out to a potential customer and provided all assistance to book, transport and unload 25 BOST wagons with construction materials from Ambasamudram to Changanassery.
Commercial Publicity and Non-Fare Revenue fetched 1.1 Crore for the division. The division facilitated opening of COVID19 Testing Kiosks at 12 stations for a period of 3 months.
The special arrangements made in coordination with all departments ensured safe arrival/departure for Sabarimala pilgrim passengers. There were no complaints during this season.
The division has taken strong measures to improve customer satisfaction.
Ø Travelling passengers can lodge their complaints about cleanliness on running trains through ‘Coach Mitra’. The complaints received through Coach Mitra are closely monitored and attended to immediately.
Ø Mechanized coach cleaning has been introduced at Nagercoil Jn., Kochuveli and Ernakulam Jn. Coaches & Wagon depots.
Ø Quick Coach Watering Filling System(QWS) commissioned at Kanniyakumari during November 2021.
Ø The division conducted DRUCC meeting through online mode during December 2021.
To provide better comfort to passengers, following new amenities were commissioned during this period.
Ø New lifts commissioned at Kochuveli and Thiruvalla for enabling passengers easy access to platforms.
Ø IRCTC Fast Food Unit(FFU) and Refreshment Room(RR) started at Aluva. A JanAahaar unit opened at Chengannur for the benefit of Sabarimala Pilgrim Passengers.
Ø 8 new catering stalls and 6 multipurpose stalls started functioning in the division.
Ø Out of 830 Coaches maintained by the division, 435 coaches has been upgraded with Braille Signage for the convenience of Visually Challenged Divyangjan passengers
Ø At Ernakulam Jn. 190 kWP Solar Plant commissioned and a solar-powered Rolling-in-Examination shed commissioned for ensuring safe running of trains.
Ø Facade Lighting completed at Kottayam Railway Station.
Ø KSRTC bus service and Prepaid Auto Service Started at Kochuveli.
GM’s meeting with Hon’ble MP’s of Thiruvananthapuram Division was conducted online for the first time due to pandemic conditions on 12th, January 2022.
The division operated 22587 special trains and handled 37354 freight wagons during 2021-22. The originating traffic witnessed 3.34% increase in terms of tonnage and 7.84% increase in terms of freight up to December 2021.
The safety branch has conducted safety drives, awareness programs and first aid/firefighting training sessions across the division and proactively issued safety circulars to achieve ‘Zero Accidents’ during 21-22. Fifty-Five employees of the division were recognized for exemplary safety consciousness and alertness on duty, which helped in avoiding accidents and detentions during this period.
Proper planning and execution of Track Maintenance enabled completion of Through Rail Renewal(TRR) of 31.251 Km in sections as well as TRR of 25 ‘Points and Crossings’in station limits. During this period, Deep Screening completed for 30.195 Kms. The efforts contributed to Zero Rail/Weld failures reported in the division during 21-22.
The division completed renovation of pedestrian passage of Bridge No.176, Aluva as per request of Hon’ble MP, Chalakkudi and the direction of GM/SR under deposit work of CPWD in December 2021. This work was long pending and the passage was the only access for local residents of Aluva Thuruth.
The staff welfare measures also had many milestones during this period.
Ø The crew lobby and running room at Ernakulam Jn. obtained ISO certification.
Ø Reverse Osmosis(RO) plants were commissioned at Irumpanam, Ernakulam Marshalling Yard, Ernakulam Jn., Kochuveli and Nagercoil Jn. for providing for potable water for Sickline and Pitline maintenance staff. During this period a staff canteen commissioned at Kochuveli depot and the C&W depot itself has received an aesthetic makeover of entrance areas.
Ø Staff Benefit Fund(SBF) utilization is 100% during 2021.
Ø A Pension Adalat was conducted on December 15th. 125 cases were settled in the Adalat.
The pandemic has revealed the strength of the Divisions’ medical fraternity. 98% employees of the division are fully vaccinated against COVID19 which is the highest in Southern Railway. RH/TVP has been upgraded with infrastructure for Central Oxygen Gas, NO2 and suction pipe line system. The Operation Theater & General Ward at RH/TVP started functioning in November 21, giving a big relief to serving and retired railway employees rather than being dependent on Private Hospitals for treatment leading to huge out flow of expenditure. Now the Health Units are providing virtual consultation to patients and a unique initiative has been started to provide health awareness programs for our staff by Health Inspectors under the guidance of doctors.
The ‘RPF Mithra Yojana’ and the WhatsApp based program ‘Safety on Wheels’ ensured real-time interaction with passengers to redress issues faced by them during train travel. During September 2021 – January 2022, RPF rescued 24 children and 07 Women. RPF has effectively prevented illegal transport of Narcotics and Contraband Items. During this period, RPF arrested 07 persons for trafficking 108 Kg Ganja/MDMA and arrested 05 persons for trafficking 332 bottles IMFL.