In a significant development for rail operations in Karnataka, the Mysuru division of South Western Railway has demonstrated marked improvements across multiple performance metrics, as announced by divisional railway manager Mudit Mittal during Republic Day celebrations at the Railway Sports Ground on Monday.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Punctuality
Train punctuality within the Mysuru division has seen a notable rise, climbing from 89% to an impressive 91.7%. This improvement reflects enhanced operational efficiency and better management of schedules, contributing to more reliable services for passengers.
Freight Performance and Infrastructure Upgrades
On the freight front, the division surpassed last year's loading figures by nearly 2%, while freight earnings experienced a substantial 9% increase. Mittal attributed this growth largely to the strategic upgradation of the Chikjajur-Raidurga section to a 25-tonne axle load capacity. This enhancement has enabled higher loading per rake, optimizing freight operations and boosting revenue.
Safety and Electrification Milestones
Reaffirming the division's commitment to safety first as its guiding principle, Mittal highlighted several key initiatives. These include the critical role of loco pilots and assistant loco pilots, enhanced safety measures at level-crossing gates, and the conduct of eight Railway Board and four headquarters safety drives. A major achievement announced was the complete electrification of the entire ghat section, making it suitable for Vande Bharat operations. Additionally, several traction substations were commissioned, and 46 trains were converted from diesel to electric traction over the last five months, promoting greener and more efficient rail transport.
Festival Management and Public Engagement
During the Dasara festival in October, the division successfully managed heavy passenger rush through improved planning and enhanced CCTV surveillance. Mittal also recalled the wide public appreciation received for the tableau showcasing the iconic Pamban and Chenab bridges, highlighting the division's efforts in public engagement and cultural representation.
Welfare and Administrative Achievements
Highlighting welfare and administrative accomplishments, Mittal reported the sale of scrap worth Rs 12.3 crore, achieving savings of Rs 76 crore, linking 828 Pension Payment Orders (PPOs), and timely disbursement of Rs 13 crore in performance-linked bonus. The division also promoted 559 employees, achieved 100% medical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), intensified cleanliness drives, and saw the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescue 63 persons. Notably, this included tracing a kidnapped 6-month-old child using CCTV footage, underscoring the effectiveness of surveillance systems.
These achievements collectively underscore the Mysuru division's strides in operational efficiency, safety, and passenger welfare, setting a benchmark for railway management in the region.
