Speed up the works of modernization of facilities to passengers: SCR GM

Hyderabad, Feb 19 : South Central Railway General Manager PK Srivastava conducted a series of intensive inspections across the network of SCR covering all the six Divisions viz., Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Guntakal and Nanded in the last one month.

The month-long inspection drive culminated today i.e., 19th February, 2014 when the last section for inspection between Peddapalli and Jagityal Lingampet was covered. During the course of these inspections, the General Manager covered a vast part of SCR, stretched over a length of 1550 kms. He was accompanied by Principal Heads of the Departments, Divisional Railway Managers and senior officials of the Division under inspection.

Srivastava emphasized on the two key aspects of safety and passenger amenities during his annual inspections on the Zone. On safety, the General Manager thoroughly checked the functioning of the safety systems in the field. Various aspects related to safety in train running like- condition of track structure, working of signal and telecommunication network, traction and electrical gears, maintenance of locomotives and coaches and operating systems at stations/cabins etc. were inspected in detail. He instructed the officials to accord utmost priority to safety in day-to-day work, leaving no scope for any deficiency.

The General Manager also made an in-depth study of the existing passenger facilities, and the requirement for their further scaling up at all the major stations on SCR. Rs.71 Crs. have so far been spent during the current financial year towards provision of passenger amenities on the Zone. He advised the DRMs on various additions to passenger facilities to be carried out in the ensuing months, so as to enhance passenger comfort in railway premises.

The core areas stressed upon for improvement include – installation of lifts and escalators, expansion of circulating area, spruced up waiting halls/retiring rooms, adequate supply of drinking water, modern electric lighting systems, advanced LED based passenger guidance boards, hygienic catering and improved cleanliness at stations. Close monitoring of the modernization works should be continued to speed up their progress towards creating a pleasing ambience at stations and in trains, he directed the Divisional officials.

During the course of this month-long extensive inspection drive across the Zone, Srivastava interacted with representatives of passenger associations, members of trade, commerce and industry as also with various sections of rail users like – long distance travelers, regular commuters, employees, students, vendors and sub-urban travelers etc. He elicited their views and suggestions on further improving the services to the passengers. He stated that the feedback and views from rail users are of immense use and shall be given due consideration in the future planning of works and facilities to meet their expectations.  INN