ectrification recorded in reports in the past and putting in context the available financial numbers, the paper leans towards continuing a dual traction policy of electric and diesel, which is what the Railways has.

Presenting data of railway systems from other countries, the analysis has taken note that China, Russia and Europe have between 33 and 43 per cent diesel traction in their railways. In North America and Latin America, 99 per cent of the trains run on diesel. In India, it is 50 per cent. Globally, the railway systems (India included) have a mix of traction wherein 45 per cent locomotives are run on electric while the majority are on diesel.

“It is also suggested that Indian Railways puts in place a rolling stock strategy,” the paper states.

The future traction strategy, according to the paper, should consider aspects like gradual phase-out path of less efficient and lower horse power diesel and electric locomotives with modern state-of-the-art products; impact of train sets on future requirement of diesel and electric locomotives in passenger business, etc.

The analysis estimates that the capital cost of electrification of around 40,000 km of lines, replacing around 5,000 diesel engines with electric ones together, would be around Rs 1 lakh crore when taken together with depreciation cost and the debt service obligation over the next four-five years — funds for which Railways would have to tap market sources.

In terms of financial feasibility of total electrification, the paper puts forth arguments that question the official calculation that conversion to a total electric fleet will save the Railways Rs 10,000 crore on fuel bills annually.

“If one considers the fact that taxes (State and Union combined) account for more than 50 per cent of diesel cost, the net savings to the government look more reasonably be around INR 5,000 crore per annum instead of Rs 10,000 crore,” it says, adding, “Information in public domain shows that diesel and electric traction have similar levels of operating cost (per unit).”

The paper from Debroy also rues the fact that there is lack of any credible study that “detail the financial computation for the mission electrification.”

To present arguments on utility of having two kinds of fuel systems, the paper touches upon the rationale of strategic flexibility that diesel engines offer, especially in cases of crisis, disasters, war etc.

“Any rethink on the need, viability, appropriateness or the implementation speed in the mid-term would be difficult and costly,” the note says, adding, “Considering the size, scale and strategic implications of this decision, it is therefore crucial to take a step back and examine carefully the pros and cons of this mission. At the least, the major concerns should be examined dispassionately to ensure that the path towards mission electrification is based on a firm foundation.”

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has asked the Ministry of Railways to ensure installation of emergency button in trains and in the washrooms to provide better safety to women passengers during travelling.  The WCD also wants the Railways to provide berths or seats to a woman travelling alone, close to other female passengers. A woman could exercise this option while booking her ticket.

In a letter to Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, WCD Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi has suggested some measures, including display of women helpline numbers in coaches, stations and on tickets. “Women helpline number (toll free helpline number 182 and All India helpline 138) are in use at a few places. However, women are sometimes unaware of such a helpline,” the letter said.

It added that railways should advertise these numbers through stickers in compartments and on stations.

“Unfortunately, trains and railway premises are vulnerable areas for women and cases of sexual assault, molestation keep getting reported, “Menaka said in the letter.

The Central Railway had introduced panic buttons system in women’s coaches of a suburban train two years ago, but it was withdrawn after rampant misusing of the panic buttons.

The WCD Minister said the connectivity to helpline numbers during travel is also an issue. “Railways may improve connectivity in no signal zones or take up the issue with telecom operators for providing shared networks for calling helpline numbers under emergency or SOS call provisions,” she said.

The Minister advised that Railways should consider employing more women not only in RPF but also in other jobs. “Thirty three per cent reservation for women may be ensured at all levels of jobs in railways and at least in RPF”, the letter said.

The WCD Ministry has also suggested that CCTV cameras should be installed in all the trains and their working must be ensured.

The railways have decided to extend the periodicity of train No 02198 / 02197 Jabalpur-Coimbatore-Jabalpur Special (Weekly) and provide one additional stoppage at Kundapura (KUDA) station to clear the extra rush of passengers in coordination with West Central Railway.

According to a release, the train timetable during non-monsoon (April 7 to June 9) will be as follows: Train No 02198 Jabalpur – Coimbatore Special (Weekly) will leave from Jabalpur at 11:00 hrs on every Saturday and reach Coimbatore at 03:40 hrs on the third day.

Train No 02197 Coimbatore – Jabalpur Special (Weekly) will leave from Coimbatore at 19:05 hrs on every Monday and reach Jabalpur at 10: 20 hrs on the third day.

Similarly, during monsoon (from June 10 to July 2) – Train No 02198 Jabalpur-Coimbatore Special (Weekly) will leave from Jabalpur at 11:00 hrs on every Saturday and reach Coimbatore at 05:00 hrs on the third day.

Train No 02197 Coimbatore – Jabalpur Special (Weekly) will leave from Coimbatore at 19:00 hrs on every Monday and reach Jabalpur at 12:45 hrs on the third day.

Train will halt at Narsinghpur, Gadarwara, Pipariya, Itarsi, Harda, Khandwa, Bhusaval, Manmad, Igatpuri, Panvel, Roha, Khed, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, Kudal, Thivim, Madgaon, Karwar, Kumta, Mookambika Road Byndoor, Kundapura, Udupi, Mulki, Mangalore Jn, Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalasaery, Vadakara, Kozhikkode, Tirur, Soranur Jn. and Palghat stations.

India’s fastest train, Gatimaan Express, which runs at a speed of 160 kmph, will slow down to 130 kmph after it is extended to Gwalior and Jhansi, according to senior railways officials. Railway ministry officials say the Railway Board has taken a decision to extend the route of Gatimaan Express – which runs between Delhi and Agra at a speed of 160 kmph – to Gwalior and then to Jhansi. On the new stretch, the train will run at a speed of 130 kmph and not at its original speed. “The Agra-Gwalior-Jhansi route is fit for only 130 kmph only, so the train has to run at that speed,” officials said. The train’s extended run, expected to begin any day now, however, is stuck as the board is still contemplating the fare structure, ministry sources indicate.

The difference in speed limits is making their task difficult. At present, the fare for travelling in an executive class is Rs 1,505 and a booking for AC chair car costs Rs 755 between Delhi and Agra. The board now faces two options: either to reduce the ticket fare in lieu of the reduced speed on Agra-Gwalior-Jhansi stretch or stick with the structure for the better amenities it provides.

Gatimaan Express is equipped with modern amenities including bio-toilets, fire alarms, GPS-based passenger information system, automatic sliding doors and free Wi-Fi Internet service. Officials say the decision to extend the train’s run was taken because it reaches Agra in the morning and then it is stationed there all day. Now, it will make its way to Jhansi.

Bangalore Metro got its first set of three intermediate car units from by public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Bangalore Metro at present runs three car train sets.

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) Managing Director Mahendra Jain said the Bangalore Metro is committed to integrating the new car sets to the existing trains as early as possible.

BEML is expected to hand over all the 150 cars by June 2019.

“Metro has become very popular now. Our ridership has reached four lakh per day. Please give us all 150 coaches by June 2019. We will try and integrate the new set of coaches into the existing trains soon so that it can be dedicated to the public,” he said.

Jain also said an exclusive coach for women would be introduced shortly.

“The first coach of every train will be reserved for women after the integration. But on an experimental basis we will allow women to enter the first two entrances and then the others from March 1,” he said.

Bengaluru Development Minister K. J. George said the number of people travelling by Bangalore Metro on its 45 km of Phase I had increased manifold.

He also said the BMRCL had to earlier import metro coaches from abroad earlier, but now it was being manufactured locally by PSU BEML.

George also said work on the extension of the metro was happening at a rapid pace in places such as Kanakapura Road, Kengeri and Whitefield and the inconvenience caused due to it would be unavoidable.

About the suburban rail project, he said there was a delay in getting coaches from the Railways and the task could be handed over to BEML as it had the capacity, which could reduce the delay.

“It would be good if the Centre also pitches in 50-50 for land acquisition,” he said.

Bengaluru Central MP P. C. Mohan said with clearance coming for the suburban rail project for the city, Bengaluru’s roads could be decongested by up to 25% by easing the roads from traffic along with the metro.

Six-coach metro trains in two months

Hopes of travelling in a less crowded Namma Metro train could soon be a reality. With BEML Ltd. handing over the first intermediate car unit to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) here on Wednesday, the rail corporation said six-coach trains would be put to public use in about two months.

BEML is expected to hand over all the 150 cars to the BMRCL by June 2019, which will result in six-car trains. This is expected to double the passenger-carrying capacity as metro trains at present have three cars.

The first set of three cars handed over on Wednesday was for the east-west Purple Line that runs between Baiyappanahalli and Mysuru Road.

Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George said the new cars would have to undergo security checks first. “Namma Metro has become popular now with the ridership reaching around four lakh a day. But the coaches have to go through security checks before being dedicated to the public, which could take a month or two. Once the first set of cars get clearance, the remaining ones will be integrated faster,” he said.

BMRCL’s managing director Mahendra Jain said BEML would hand over six cars a month from June, and nine to twelve cars a month from September. “By June 2019, all the 150 cars will be handed over to us,” he said.

D.K. Hota, CMD, BEML, said the PSU was committed to de-congesting Bengaluru. “BEML has 47% of the market share in metro coaches. We would be happy if greater reliance is placed on us. BEML has the capacity to make 30 cars a month as we have three lines (one line can accommodate three cars),” he said.

Mr. Hota also said the cost of manufacturing the cars had come down. “It has come down by at least 15 to 20%. When the cars were delivered the first time, one coach cost ₹11.5 crore. Today, it has come down to ₹8.9 crore,” he said.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar assured BEML that disinvestment of the PSU would not be allowed. He said the HAL airport should not be allowed to remain as it is, keeping in mind the fact that Bengaluru is the aerospace hub.

“It should be made the maintenance, repair and overhauling centre of the country,” he said.

First two entrances for women from March 1

After promising that the first of the six-coach trains will be reserved for women, BMRCL’s managing director Mahendra Jain said until the new coaches are integrated into the existing three-coach trains, they will experiment with prioritising entry and exit of women in the first two entrances of trains from March 1.

“The first coach of every train will be reserved for women after the integration. But on an experimental basis, from March 1, we will first allow women to enter the two entrances, and then let in the others,” he said.

Suburban rail coaches from BEML?

Another ambitious mass transport project — suburban rail — found its way into the discussion on Wednesday.

Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George said there was a delay in getting coaches from the Railways and suggested that the task could be handed over to BEML as it had the capacity, thereby bringing the project closer to reality sooner. “It would be good if the Centre also shares the cost of land acquisition with the State government,” he added.

D.K. Hota, CMD, BEML, said the PSU would be able to fulfil the demand as it could manufacture up to 800 railway coaches in a year at its plants in Kolar, Bengaluru, and Palakkad.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday exhorted job aspirants to apply for more than one lakh vacancies in the railways.

In a tweet, Goyal said, “More than one lakh job openings are available, visit Railway Recruitment Board website and apply.”

These vacancies are in Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Bilaspur, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Jammu, Kolkata, Malda, Mumbai, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Ranchi, Secunderabad, Siliguri, and Trivendrum.

Out of these one lakh vacancies, 62,907 are Group- D posts.

“Opportunities for the youth in the Railways: For the 62, 907 posts of Group-D, the Railways have started recruitment process for the high school and ITI pass-outs,” Goyal tweeted.

He added that the eligible candidates can apply for these posts. The last date for application is March 12, 2018.

As part of Skill India initiative, Ministry of Railways has been contributing in a big way to provide training to Apprentices in various disciplines training in categories like Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, Painter, Carpenter, Electrician, Refrigerator and AC Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle/Diesel) etc., since long.  Ministry of Railways has kept a target of training of 30 thousand Apprentices in its 16 Zonal Units and 7 Production Units.

For the year 2017-18, about 26,000 training slots for Apprenticeship training have been notified.  This is in addition to over 4000 persons already undergoing training in various establishments.  An Employment Notification has been issued earlier in the week for recruitment of 62,907 staff in Level 1 pay scale and out of these, apprentices trained in Railway establishments will be given preference to the tune of over 12,000 vacancies which is in line with the recent amendments made in the Apprentices Act, 1961

With a large set up of Workshops and Production Units, Indian Railways has been in the forefront of implementation of the Apprentices Act, 1961.  Railway Workshops have been imparting Apprentices. A large number of Apprentices were turned out from these Workshops and Production Units every year who were certified and granted the NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) Certificate, making them employable for jobs in industry as well as for posts in Railways.  In this way, the Indian Railways is contributing to Skill India.

Railway recognizes that skill development of the labour force is an important component of development of Human Resources.  It is crucial for the industrial development of the country.  Skill training imparted through formal institutions alone is not sufficient to make the labour force fully skilled.  This needs to be supplemented by training in the actual work place.

Apprentices’ Training consists of Basic Training and On-the-Job Training/Practical Training at workplace.  Basic training is an essential component of apprenticeship training for those who have not undergone any institutional training/skill before taking up on-the-job training/practical training.  It counts for 20-30% of overall duration of Apprenticeship Training.  The component of on-the-job training is performed and undertaken in the establishment itself.

Western Railway has ensured suitable steps to expedite settlement of claims by the families of Elphinstone Road stampede victims. In this regard, necessary request has also been made to Railway Board to further request Hon’ble Chairman of Railway Claims Tribunals Principle Bench for formation of the Special Bench to facilitate expeditious settlement of claims pertaining to the this unfortunate incident.

According to a WR press release issued by Shri Ravinder Bhakar, Chief Public Relations officer of Western Railway, Railway Board has also been requested for necessary intervention of Railway Board and direction for an early settlement of compensation to the affected families of injured and diseased persons through Railway Claims Tribunal. It is worth mentioning that Western Railway had also organized a guidance camp for relatives/victims of the above incident from 9^th Oct, 2017 to 11th Oct, 2017.

Besides this Commercial Inspectors and Law Assistants were also deployed to visit the residences of victims and to explain to them about their right of claiming compensation for death/injury as the case may be and they were suitably explained the procedure of claiming compensation from Tribunal. The copy of prescribed form was also distributed to the family of each victim. Similarly, on special request, Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Central Division, Chief Security Commissioner/Churchgate and Commissioner of Police expedited the process of the investigation report which is required for adjudication and is a statutory requirement of Railway Claims Tribunal.

In this unfortunate incident of stampede, 23 victims have lost their lives, 5 persons were grievously injured and 33 persons have suffered simple injury. As per the announcement of Hon’ble Minister of Railways, an enhanced Ex – gratia of Rs. 5,00,000/- to the next of kin of each deceased, Rs. 1,00,000/- to each of the person who sustained grievous injury and Rs. 50,000/- to each of the person who sustained simple injury, have already been disbursed by Western Railway with details as below:

Type	No. of cases	No. of cases paid	Paid @ Rs	Total Amount paid	Pending cases
Simple Injury	33	32	50,000	16,00,000	1**
Grievous Injury	5	5	1,00,000	5,00,000	0
Death	23	23	5,00,000	1,15,00,000	0
Grand Total				1,36,00,000	1

** (Left Hospital on his own without taking discharge, contact details not available.)

पश्चिम रेलवे द्वारा एलफिंस्टन रोड हादसे में प्रभावित परिवारों के दावों के शीघ्र निपटारे के लिए स्पेशल बेंच के गठन का अनुरोध

पश्चिम रेलवे ने एलफिंस्टन रोड स्टेशन पर 29 सितम्बर, 2017 को घटे दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हादसे में प्रभावित व्यक्तियों के परिवारजनों द्वारा किये गये दावों के शीघ्र निपटारे के लिए विभिन्न स्तरों पर हरसम्भव प्रयास सुनिश्चित किये हैं। इस सम्बंध में रेलवे बोर्ड से अनुरोध किया गया है कि इस दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना से सम्बंधित दावों के तेज़ी से निपटारे को सुनिश्चित करने हेतु स्पेशल बेंच का गठन करने के लिए रेल दावा अधिकरण की प्रधान बेंच के माननीय चेयरमैन से आग्रह किया जाये।

पश्चिम रेलवे के मुख्य जनसम्पर्क अधिकारी श्री रविंद्र भाकर द्वारा प्रेस विज्ञप्ति के अनुसार रेलवे बोर्ड से इस सम्बंध में आवश्यक हस्तक्षेप करने तथा इस दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हादसे में घायल एवं मृतक व्यक्तियों के प्रभावित परिवारों के दावों के जल्दी निस्तारण में रेल दावा अधिकरण को समुचित निर्देश देने का आग्रह किया गया है। उल्लेखनीय है कि पश्चिम रेलवे द्वारा 9 अक्टूबर से 11 अक्टूबर, 2017 तक इस हादसे में प्रभावित व्यक्तियों/परिवारजनों के लिए एक गाइडेंस कैम्प का आयोजन भी किया गया था। इसके अतिरिक्त पश्चिम रेलवे द्वारा अपने वाणिज्य निरीक्षकों एवं विधि सहायकों को प्रभावितों के घरों पर भेजा गया था, जिन्होंने रेल दावा अधिकरण में क्षतिपूर्ति के दावे की प्रक्रिया और मृतकों/घायलों की स्थिति के अनुसार क्षतिपूर्ति का दावा करने के अधिकार के बारे में सभी को सही ढंग से विस्तारपूर्वक समझाया।

प्रभावितों के परिवारों को इस क्षतिपूर्ति दावे के लिए निर्धारित फॉर्म की प्रतिलिपियाँ भी वितरित की गईं। इसी प्रकार विशेष अनुरोध पर पश्चिम रेलवे के मुंबई मंडल के मंडल रेल प्रबंधक, प्रमुख सुरक्षा आयुक्त/चर्चगेट तथा मुंबई के पुलिस कमिश्नर कार्यालयों द्वारा अनुसंधान रिपोर्ट की प्रक्रिया को तेज़ी से पूरा किया गया, जो न्यायिक स्तर पर निर्णय लेने एवं रेल दावा अधिकरण की इस सम्बंध में प्रशासनिक आवश्यकताओं की पूर्ति के लिए बहुत ज़रूरी है। इस दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना में 23 व्यक्तियों ने अपनी जान गंवाई, 5 व्यक्ति गम्भीर रूप से घायल हुए तथा 33 व्यक्तियों को सामान्य चोटें आई थीं। माननीय रेल मंत्री द्वारा की गई घोषणा के अनुसार प्रत्येक मृतक के करीबी सम्बंधी को 5 लाख रु., गम्भीर रूप से घायल प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को 1 लाख रु. तथा सामान्य रूप से घायल प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को 50 हज़ार रु. की विशेष तौर पर बढ़ाई गई अनुग्रह राशि पश्चिम रेलवे द्वारा काफी पहले निम्नानुसार वितरित की जा चुकी हैः-

मामले का प्रकार	मामलों की कुलसंख्या	भुगतान किये गयेमामलों की संख्या	भुगतान राशि	कुल भुगतान राशि	लम्बित मामले
सामान्य रूप से घायल	33	32	50,000	16,00,000	1**
गम्भीर रूप से घायल	5	5	1,00,000	5,00,000	0
मृतक	23	23	5,00,000	1,15,00,000	0
कुल योग				1,36,00,000	1

** (यह व्यक्ति बिना डिस्चार्ज लिये अपनी मर्जी से अस्पताल से चला गया, जिसका सम्पर्क विवरण उपलब्ध नहीं है।)

Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board (CRB) inspected Eastern Railway’s Jamalpur station and Jamalpur Workshop today along with Harindra Rao, General Manager, Eastern Railway.

Lohani along with Ravindra Gupta, Member (Rolling Stock), Railway Board thoroughly inspected all the wings of Jamalpur Workshop and enquired about the quality output. Chief Workshop Manager, Jamalpur and other officers of the workshop apprised Chairman, Railway Board about the progress and good work done by Eastern Railway’s Jamalpur Workshop.

Lohani also visited the Indian Railway Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE) at Jamalpur and joined the Annual Day celebration at IRIMEE as the Chief Guest. Addressing on the occasion, the Chairman, Railway Board, Lohani encouraged the trainee engineers & probationers at IRIMEE to become the most efficient engineers in Railways. CRB also handed over prizes & certificates to the probationers & trainee engineers for their outstanding performance.

General Manager, Eastern Railway and Chief Workshop Manager and Director IRIMEE accompanied CRB during his visit to IRIMEE. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman , Railway Board addressed on the occasion of Annual Day’ celebration of Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE) at Jamalpur today.

Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board (CRB) flagged off a new goods rake at Jamalpur Workshop in presence of Ravindra Gupta, Member (Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Harindra Rao, General Manager, Eastern Railway and A.K. Pandey, Chief Workshop Manager, Jamalpur.

Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board (CRB) and Ravindra Gupta, Member (Rolling Stock), Railway Board inspected Jamalpur Workshop today in presence of Harindra Rao, General Manager, Eastern Railway and A.K. Pandey, Chief Workshop Manager, Jamalpur.

श्री अश्विनी लोहानी, चेयरमैन, रेलवे बोर्ड द्वारा जमालपुर स्टेशन और जमालपुर वर्कशॉप का निरीक्षण, इरिमी के वार्षिकोत्‍सव में किया प्रशिक्षु इंजीनियरों को संबोधित

हाजीपुर: आज दिनांक 14.02.2018 को रेलवे बोर्ड के चेयरमैन श्री अश्विनी लोहानी ने जमालपुर स्टेशन और जमालपुर कार्यशाला का निरीक्षण किया. इस अवसर पर श्री रवींद्र गुप्ता, सदस्य/रोलिंग स्टॉक, रेलवे बोर्ड एवं पूर्व रेलवे के महाप्रबंधक श्री हरिन्द्र राव भी उपस्थित थे.

श्री लोहानी ने जमालपुर वर्कशॉप की सभी शाखाओं का गहन निरीक्षण किया एवं गुणवत्ता संबंधी जानकारी ली । इस अवसर पर श्री ए.के.पाण्‍डेय, मुख्य वर्कशॉप प्रबंधक ने जमालपुर वर्कशॉप की प्रगति एवं किये गये उल्‍लेखनीय कार्यों से श्री लोहानी को अवगत कराया.

श्री लोहानी ने जमालपुर में भारतीय रेलवे इंस्टीट्यूट ऑफ मैकेनिकल एंड इलेक्ट्रिकल इंजीनियरिंग (IRIMEE) का भी दौरा किया और मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में इरिमी के वार्षिकोत्‍सव समारोह में शामिल हुए । अपने संबोधन में श्री लोहानी ने प्रशिक्षु इंजीनियरों और परिवीक्षार्थियों को रेलवे के सबसे कुशल इंजीनियर बनने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया। इस अवसर पर श्री लोहानी द्वारा उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन करने वाले परिवीक्षाधीन और प्रशिक्षु इंजीनियरों को पुरस्कार और प्रमाण पत्र भी प्रदान किया गया.

इसके साथ ही रेलवे बोर्ड के अध्यक्ष श्री अश्वनी लोहानी द्वारा रेलवे बोर्ड के सदस्य (रॉलिंग स्टॉक) श्री रविंद्र गुप्ता, पूर्व रेलवे के महाप्रबंधक श्री हरिंद्र राव एवं मुख्‍य वर्कशॉप मैनेजर, जमालपुर श्री ए.के.पाण्डेय की उपस्थिती में जमालपुर वर्कशॉप में एक नये गुड्स रैक को हरी झंडी दिखायी गयी.

Shri R.K. Kulshrestha, General Manager, Southern Railway called on Smt. Girija Vaidhyanathan, Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu Government today (14.02.2018).

During the meeting, General Manager, Southern Railway updated the Chief Secretary regarding the various development works progressing over Southern Railway.  He also sought the State Government’s support to speed up the various projects and works being undertaken in Tamil Nadu.

The General Manager was accompanied by Shri L. Sudhakar Rao, Chief Administrative Officer / Construction and Shri S. Ramasubbu, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer.