TAASIR :– S M HASSAN –17 AUGUST
Kolkata, 16th August, 2024:
The 78th Independence Day was celebrated at South Eastern Railway Headquarters, Garden Reach with due solemnity. Shri Anil Kumar Mishra, General Manager, South Eastern Railway hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the ceremonial parade presented by the contingents of Railway Protection Force, Civil Defence, St. John Ambulance Brigade and Bharat Scouts & Guides. On the Independence Day, the General Manager conveyed his greetings to all.
Highlighting the achievements of SER in recent times, General Manager said that South Eastern Railway, popularly known as the Blue Chip Railway, is among the top freight loading zones of Indian Railways. in 2023-24, S E Railway loaded 211.6 million tonnes of freight which is 4.44% more than the previous year. During the period from April to July 2024, SER achieved a commendable loading of 70.32 million tonnes of freight which is about 5.32% higher than the corresponding period of 2023-24. General Manager added that in order to increase operational capacity, 155 km of doubling/3rd line work has been completed so far this year.
General Manager stated that with a view to provide more amenities to the passengers, 20 lifts and 10 escalators have been commissioned at various stations during the current financial year. Moreover, to ensure safety and convenience of the passengers, the work of 39 Foot Over Bridges have been completed this year so far. These apart, raising of height at 36 platforms and increase in length of 34 platforms have been completed and 87 platform sheds have been constructed at different stations. During the current financial year, 485 special trains have been run to clear the extra rush of the passengers.
Safety of passengers is of paramount importance and as a major step towards free from level crossing, SER has completed the construction work of 6 Road Over Bridges. Moreover, 17 level crossings have been eliminated in the last financial year and upto July, 2024.
5 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains have been introduced in financial year 2023-24,. He added that 72 stations of SER are being developed under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and 108 stalls and 48 trolleys have been made operational at different stations of South Eastern Railway under “One Station One Product” scheme.
Mentioning the special efforts of RPF, General Manager stated that this year under “Operation Nanhe Farishtey”, total 982 children have been rescued from train and station premises and handed over to Child Line or their family members. RPF personnel of South Eastern Railway in “Operation Jeevan Raksha”, saved the precious lives of 63 passengers by risking their own lives.
General Manager stated that SER celebrated “Har Ghar Tiranga” to commemorate the Independence Day. All employees of SER were associated with the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. General Manager appealed to the employees to join hands to work for the progress of the Nation.
A cultural programme on patriotic theme was organised on the occasion. The programme was presented by the SER Headquarters Cultural Team and members of SER Bharat Scouts and Guides. Independence Day was also celebrated at the Divisional Offices at Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.