South Central Railway celebrated “64thRepublic Day” with gaiety and patriotic fervour at Railway Sports Complex Grounds, Secunderabad today(26thJanuary,2013). ShriG. N. Asthana, General Manager, South Central Railway, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion,unfurled the National Flag and received the Guard of Honour presented by various contingents such as Railway Protection Force, Civil Defence, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides etc. He extended his warm Republic Day greetings to Railway employees and rail users.
Addressing a large gathering comprising of senior railway officials and staff and their family members Shri Asthana, said that Indian Railways is indeed proud to be a partner in the Nation’s progress and has been contributing to its economic and social development. South Central Railway and its staff continue to play a significant role in this process of Nation’s growth.
He expressed his happiness on theremarkable achievements of the Zone in the current financial year.SCR's Gross Earnings of Rs. 7,200 Crs. during the first 9 months of the current financial year have shown an impressive growth of 24% over last year. The freight loading in this period is 80.6 Million Tonnes (MTs) and with this increase, it would be possible to cross the target of 111 MTs during the current financial year. The Passenger earnings have also increased by 6.5%. Our Operating Ratio, which is the key indicator of financial health, has shown remarkable improvement and now stands at 80.6% and our surplus has increasedfrom Rs. 2090 Cr. to Rs.3070 Cr., he added.
(The full text of the speech of Shri G.N. Asthana, GM/SCR is attached for reference and using the content)
In the Cultural programme that followed, Railway Protection Force Personnel staged a martial art display portraying their valour and alertness in order to face any eventuality from the miscreants. The mass choreography programme performed by a collective group comprising RPF Personnel, students from Railway Schools / Colleges and wards of Railway officers / Staff successfully drove the sense of patriotism and national integration in to the hearts of audience. Shri Asthana declared Cash Award to thecontingents and cultural troops.
SCR General Manager’s Republic Day Message -2013
Dear Members of the Railway family, On the solemn occasion of the 64th Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings to all members of the South Central Railway family. on this day we renew our commitment to dedicate ourselves to the cause of unity and progress of our Republic. Indian Railways is indeed proud to be a partner in the Nation’s progress and has been contributing to its economic and social development. South Central Railway and its staff continue to play a significant role in this process of Nation’s growth.
I am happy to share with you that continuing the remarkable achievements of last year, our performance in the current financial year also has been very encouraging.SCR's Gross Earnings of Rs. 7,200 Crs. during the first 9 months of the current financial year have shown an impressive growth of 24% over last year. The freight loading in this period is 80.6 Million Tonnes (MTs) and with this increase, it would be possible to cross the target of 111 MTs during the current financial year. The Passenger earnings have also increased by 6.5%. Our Operating Ratio, which is the key indicator of financial health, has shown remarkable improvement and now stands at 80.6% and our surplus has increased from 2090 Cr. to Rs.3060 Cr.
Safety and Security of passengers is of paramount importance in our working. We have taken several initiatives, mainly focused on technical up gradation and system improvements to enhance safety. During the current year, the safety performance has improved by more than 30% as compared to last year. It is a matter of pride for us that the concept trial of 'Train Collision Avoidance System' for IR was successfully carried out on Secunderabad Division recently. The Security apparatus in Railway premises is being strengthened constantly. Special attention is being given to meet the security needs of the women passengers. 300 RPF personnel have been deployed on escort duty in 93 trains and are doing dedicated work. It is our earnest resolve to make our services passenger friendly and the rail journey comfortable. Some of the measures taken in this direction are 'On-Board Housekeeping Services' in 35 trains, mechanized cleaning of coaches and setting up of 'Clean Train Stations'. Under 'Book a Meal' scheme launched recently, passengers can now book their meals through phone in 28 trains. A 24x7 catering Helpline has been set up to register passengers’ complaints regarding food and other items.
21 Lifts and 2 Escalators have already been commissioned at 11 stations to enhance passenger comfort. 14 more lifts and 38 Escalators will be provided in next few months on several major stations. Railways is one of the most economical and comfortable mode of transport. Therefore, there are huge demands to expand railway transportation system. Based on availability of funds several new projects have been taken up. The final location survey of MMTS Phase-II in twin cities has been completed and fieldwork will start in few months.
The most valuable asset of SCR is its dedicated work force.We are strongly committed to the well being of our staff.The Staff Benefit Fund has been expanding its activities to cater to their welfare. The fund has provided 1.3 Crs. of scholarships to benefit 2900 scholar wards.Door Step Health Check up Camps are being organized in a big way to benefit the employees working at wayside stations. I appreciate the positive role played by trade unions in maintaining a cordial, healthy work environment on SCR. I would also like to emphasize the laudable activities of the SCR Women's Welfare Organization in supporting various social causes; of the SCR Andhra Lalitha Kala Samithi in promoting Arts and Culture; and of the SCR Sports Association in encouraging sporting activities.
Our achievements so far should not make us complacent. There is a lot of scope on this Zone to further expand our reach and services. People look forward to us not only for more number of services but to deliver them with improved quality. We have to constantly innovate and modernize our systems. The need of the hour is to utilize our scarce resources in an effective and efficient manner to meet the surge in expectations of the Public.
