Hubballi, August 15: On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, Mr. Sanjeev Kishore, the General Manager of South Western Railway (SWR), proudly shared the remarkable achievements and progress of the railway zone. Addressing the gathering at Rail Soudha, SWR Headquarters in Hubballi, Mr. Kishore highlighted the significant emphasis placed on safety in train operations and the exceptional growth in infrastructure and connectivity development.
Over the past three years, SWR has achieved a remarkable milestone by commissioning more than 200 kilometers of new railway lines and doubling tracks annually. This consistent effort has bolstered both safety and connectivity across the region. Mr. Kishore also emphasized the importance of safety, revealing that 21 level crossing gates, 06 road over bridges, and 16 road under bridges were completed during the period from January to July 2023. Additionally, 26 bridges were rehabilitated, further enhancing railway safety.
The achievements were not limited to infrastructure, as Mr. Kishore proudly announced that SWR’s originating freight loading reached an all-time high of 46.7 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2022-23. The railway zone also recorded a remarkable gross revenue of Rs. 8071 crores during the same period, marking the highest revenue since the inception of SWR.
In a stride towards environmental conservation, SWR has taken substantial steps. In 2023 alone, the installation of solar panels with a capacity of 442 kWp raised the total capacity to an impressive 5348 kWp. This initiative not only contributes to sustainability but also results in an annual saving of approximately Rs. 2 crores on electricity charges.
During his address, Mr. Kishore highlighted SWR’s commitment to passengers’ needs. He informed the audience that during January to July 2023, a total of 212 festival and holiday special trains were operated. Furthermore, 1479 extra coaches were added to trains, and 20 trains’ speed was enhanced, leading to a collective time-saving of 620 minutes in passengers’ journey times.
Mr. Kishore extended his gratitude to the workforce of SWR for their dedication and also acknowledged the support from recognized unions, associations, and the SWR Women’s Welfare Organization. He was joined by Dr. Vandana Srivastava, President of SWR Women Welfare Organisation, in inaugurating the newly constructed ‘Annexe Building’ at SWR-WWO English Medium School, Gadag Road, Hubballi.
The celebration also included a vibrant cultural program performed by the children of SWRWWO High School, adding an artistic touch to the Independence Day event.
The festivities extended to a noble cause as well, with donations of RO+UV water purifiers, rechargeable torches, digital weighing machines, and distribution of fruits to patients at Central Hospital Hubballi. Dr. Vandana Srivastava led the initiative, further demonstrating SWR’s commitment to the community.
The event was attended by Mr. U. Subba Rao, Additional General Manager, Principal Heads of Departments of South Western Railway, senior officers, and staff members, showcasing a united and dedicated railway family.
