Title - SWR registers 22.17-p.c. growth in freight earnings

Despite the ban on export of iron ore and restrictions on mining, South Western Railway has been able to register a growth of 22.17 per cent over the corresponding year in terms of freight earnings.Speaking at the Republic Day celebrations organised by SWR headquarters here on Saturday, SWR General Manager Ashok Kumar Mital said that despite restrictions, the zone had carried 25.119 million tonnes of freight during the first nine months of the financial year 2012–13, against 23.846 million tonnes carried during the previous year.As a result, the freight earnings up to December 2012 had increased from Rs. 667.11 crore to Rs. 1983.54 crore.Mr. Mital said the performance of the zone during the first nine months of 2012–13 had been satisfactory in passenger traffic as well.The number of passengers carried had gone up from 139.43 to 147.24 millions, registering an increase of 5.6 per cent. Consequently, the originating passenger earnings had increased by 7.15 per cent — Rs. 850.33 to Rs. 911.1 crore.He said that SWR had laid special emphasis on improving safety, security, passenger amenities, cleanliness and punctuality. Information Technology was being used in a great way to provide passenger amenities by installing audio video enquiry terminals, digital display boards, coach locating guiding system and other facilities.“The Unreserved Ticketing System has been extended to cover 243 stations and reserved tickets can now be obtained from 143 locations. In addition to this, 56 Jansadharan Ticket Booking Sevaks have been appointed to issue Unreserved Tickets to travelling passengers,” he explained. He said a special thrust was being given to improve infrastructure and line capacity on various sections of South Western Railway.

During the current financial year, 41 km of new line, 27 km of gauge conversion and 44 km of track-doubling were targeted for completion. Already 77.5 km out of total 112.5 km of track had already been completed by December end, he said.

Appreciation

Mr. Mital appreciated the work taken up by members of the SWR Women’s Welfare Organisation and Civil Defence Organisation, and lauded the achievements of sports persons belonging to the zone who had won prizes at national-level events.

He then presented cash awards to RPF Contingent, Civil Defence Personnel, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Railway Schools, RPF Band and other departments for their best efforts to make the function a grand success.

A host of senior railway officials participated in the event.