RailEnquiry

Many critical infrastructure projects, including the newly-laid BG line between Kadur and Chikmagalur, were slated for commissioning shortly and this would pave way for better rail connectivity and efficient operation in the Mysore Railway Division, South Western Railway's Divisional Manager Vinod Kumar has said.As announced in the Railway Budget 2013-14, direct connectivity for new trains from the cultural capital of the state, Mysore, with prominent tourism destinations like Bijapur, Hampi, Badami and other places had been provided. It was the the first division in the SW Railway to introduce tokenless and colour light signaling system, he said, unfurling the Tricolour at the 67th Independence Day at the the Railway Sports Ground here.The originating loading on the division during the first four months of the present fiscal year was 1.047 million tones with freight revenue being Rs 145.88 crore. The marginal decline in loading and earnings compared with the corresponding period of previous year was due to a ban on transportation of export quality iron ore by the Centre. The division had maintained good safety record and the focus would continue to be on exhibiting "zero tolerance" towards train accidents.The punctuality of passenger trains had shown a significant improvement and exceeded the target of 98 per cent during the present year, at 97.41 per cent in case of express trains and 98.64 per cent for ordinary trains.

Vinod Kumar said, the division has taken a lead in energy conservation initiatives, noteworthy being setting up of two windmills to supply power at level crossings. Of the 43 electrified level crossings, 14 have solar power supply. Another significant achievement of the division was in planting trees at various stations, colonies, along the railway tracks with over 15,000 saplings having been planted during the present year to make the division green. After successfully implementing the 200,000 capacity rain water harvesting system near Chamundi Club, commissioning of many more rain water harvesting schemes were on the anvil.

Expressing happiness over the division constantly demonstrating improvements in its performance on all parameters, he said, the division had secured the 'overall efficiency shield' for three successive years. The prestigious National Tourism Award, instituted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the category of "Best Tourist-friendly Railway Station" in India during 2011-12 was conferred on the Mysore Railway station.

The division had maintained a good safety record and focus would continue to be on exhibiting "zero tolerance" towards train accidents, the Divisional Railway Manager added.