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The 64th Republic Day was celebrated at S.E.Railway Headquarters, Garden Reach with due solemnity and enthusiasm. Shri A.K.Verma, General Manager, South Eastern Railway unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the colourful parade presented by the contingents of Railway Protection Force, Bharat Scouts and Guides, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Civil Defence etc. While paying glowing tributes to our freedom fighters and the makers of our constitution, Shri Verma appealed to all railwaymen to makeall out efforts towards safety and security of the passengers and to work diligently to ensure safe and secure rail travel.Highlighting the achievements of South Eastern Railway, Shri Verma said that during the current financial year S.E.Railway has loaded 92.16 million tons of freight as against 88.14 million tons loaded during the corresponding period of last year thus registering a growth of 4.6%. As far as earnings are concerned, S.E.Railway has recorded an earning of Rs. 6398 crores from freight traffic during April -December as against Rs. 6041 crores earned last year.

In the passenger sector also, SER’s growth has been satisfactory with number of passengers increasing by 5.24% and passenger earnings increasing by 9.46% over the previous year. In 2012-13 South Eastern Railway have introduced nine pairs of mail/express trains and 12 pairs of passenger trains and added 3389 number of coaches in various trains.

Safety is the prime concern as image of the railway organization depends largely on safety. In order to reduce accidents on level crossings, all 829 unmanned level crossings will be eliminated by 2015, General Manager added. There has been a substantial improvement in weld failures and rail fractures which have reduced by almost 50%.

S.E.Railway is also giving thrust on the major construction works of new lines and other projects . The DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) factory at Haldia is nearing completion and the work for two major Passenger Terminals at Santragachi and Shalimar has already been commenced. Other new line, double line and 3rd line projects and several factories at Kharagpur, Anara, Adra etc. are in various stages of execution, Shri Verma added.

Speaking about passenger security Shri Verma said that more than 100 trains are being escorted in extremist affected sections, specially during night time. The RPF has arrested 1.9 lakh offenders under the Railways Act and realized a fine of Rs. 2.43 crores during 2012. General Manager also stated that with continuous follow up with the State Govts. of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, the night train services from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.on Kharagpur – Tatanagar Section will start running at normal speedwithin a day or two instead of restricted speed of 75 kmph

General Manager stated that a new clause in the Indian Railways Act provides a fine of Rs.500 for anyone caught littering in the railway premises and coaches. SER has started an anti littering cleanliness drive at all its major stations .General Manager stated that work for 58 ‘Adarsh’ Stations have been completed and complaints related to catering have also shown a declining trend.Shri Verma stressed on maintaining harmonious relations with various railway Trade Unions and Associations for smooth functioning of the railway administration.An excellent show was put up by the RPF personnel during the occasion which included Dog Show using trained RPF sniffer dogs, Commando activities etc.Later Smt. Asha Verma, President/South Eastern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation along with other members distributed clothes to the indoor patients of S.E.Railway Central Hospital, Garden Reach.Shri A.K. Verma also attended the Republic Day Celebrations by the children of Bharat Scouts and Guides in the S.E. Railway Colony.
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