Title - SCR holds 67th Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) Meeting

The 67thZonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) Meeting was held under the chairmanship ofShri G. N. Asthana, General Manager, South Central Railway today (29.06.2012) at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad. Shri J.N.Jagannathan, Additional General Manager, and Principal Heads of Various departments of SCR were present.Fifteen ZRUCC members representing diverse interests such as SCR Railway Divisions, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Agricultural Associations, Public Sector Units, Registered Passengers’ Association, Consumer Protection Associations, nominees of Union Ministers etc., participated in the discussion.The members were apprised of the performance of SCR and development works under progress.In his presidential address, Shri Asthana said that South Central Railway is always in the forefront to meet the expectations of the rail users by improving passenger and freight services. He informed that 25 out of 75 new trains announced in the current Railway Budget 2012-13 will either originate or pass through South Central Railway and would be introduced in a phased manner. He further said that Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Duronto Express, announced in the last year Railway Budget would be introduced very soon. SCR gives priority to the road safety works and there is no dearth of funds for construction ofRoad Over Bridges (ROBs), Road Under Bridges (RUBs), Limited height Passways. SCR will bear 50% of the cost of such worksprovided State Governments comeup with proposals as per the existing guidelines, he added. He stated that at present 41% of reserved tickets are being booked through Internet and called upon the members to encourage the passengers to book more tickets through Internet to avoid long queues at counters. The availability position of wagons in SCR has improved considerably and the demand for wagons are being met to a greater extent. SCR is taking necessary steps to improve facilities such as Merchant Rooms, facilities for labourers, and lighting facilities at freight terminals for the convenience of freight customers and urged upon them to reduce the time taken for loading / unloading of goods. Upgrading the passenger amenities in SCR is given thrust , he added.
The members appreciated the efforts of SCR and its positive response for various suggestions for service improvement. They also lauded SCR for bagging Govind Vallab Pant Shield-2012 for over all efficiency at all India level. Deliberations o­n various suggestions brought forth by the members towards service improvement were held in a cordial manner. The suggestions and demands by the members include opening of more number of booking counters, raising / extension of platforms, augmentation of trains by additional coaches, provision of additional stoppages, introduction of new trains, construction of ROBs/RUBs, cleanliness in stations /trains, provision of Lifts / Escalators at various stations, enhancing security o­n trains, patrolling in theft prone sections, improving enquiry services over 139 etc.
Shri Neelakanta Reddy, Deputy General Manager (General), SCR, convened the meeting.