GM SCOR UNDERTAKES EXTENSIVE INSPECTIONS ACROSS THE NEW ZONE, REVIEWS SAFETY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PASSENGER AMENITIES*

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times:Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway (SCoR), has undertaken extensive inspections across the newly formed South Coast Railway Zone, covering all four Divisions and travelling nearly 3500 kms, to take firsthand feedback on railway operations, safety, infrastructure, passenger amenities and developmental projects.

He conducted inspection of Ichchapuram - Visakhapatnam255kms, Vijayawada–Gudur-Renigunta section 450kms in Vijayawada and Guntakal Divisions, Tirupati–Guntakal section 350kms, Visakhapatnam - Rajahmundry 210kms, Nandyal- Guntur section 300kms, Guntur - Madhira 100kms sections 

During the inspections, the General Manager reviewed works at 35 major stations, railway assets, yards, running rooms, crew lobbies, signalling and telecommunication installations, level crossings, tunnels, track maintenance, construction works and 23 Amrit Bharat Station Scheme projects. He also interacted with railway employees, station officials and public representatives to understand ground-level requirements and local demands. 

Safety has remained the foremost priority during the inspections. Shri Sandeep Mathur has been closely monitoring safety practices, maintenance activities, monsoon preparedness and workplace safety, while stressing strict adherence to prescribed safety protocols. His inspections included detailed reviews of track conditions, points and crossings, signalling systems, level-crossing preparedness and other critical railway assets.

The General Manager also reviewed major infrastructure and capacity-enhancement works, including third-line works, yard remodelling, Rail Over Rail works, station redevelopment, tunnel construction and proposed new railway infrastructure.

At Tirupati, he reviewed the ongoing station redevelopment works, while at Kadapa and other stations he assessed the progress of passenger-centric infrastructure. He also reviewed the proposed Nambur Line alignment and other future infrastructure plans.

Passenger convenience and employee welfare were also accorded priority. The General Manager inspected passenger amenities at major stations, reviewed facilities for running staff at crew lobbies and running rooms, and interacted with employees to understand their requirements.

At the New Coach Care Centre, Visakhapatnam, he reviewed coach maintenance practices and fire safety preparedness, while also interacting with women employees regarding workplace facilities and working conditions.

During his inspections, Shri Sandeep Mathur also reviewed preparedness for the Godavari Pushkaram at Godavari, Rajahmundry, Kovvuru stations, including passenger movement, crowd management, pilgrim access routes and coordination with State Government authorities. He inspected prominent Pushkar Ghats and railway stations along the Visakhapatnam–Rajahmundry–Samalkot–Tuni–Anakapalle corridor to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the anticipated pilgrim rush.

General Manager has also taken note of public and representative demands relating to ROBs and RUBs in the above sections, 2 pairs of trains regularised as weekly express trains which were  operated as special services, introduction of special trains based on demand, 12 Jansadharan Specials for RRB candidates, commissioning of Three Amrit Bharat Stations, high-speed rail corridor proposals in Amaravati region, infrastructure augmentation and removal of bottlenecks in major railway complexes like at Visakhapatnam complex, among other issues.

Through these extensive inspections, Shri Sandeep Mathur has emphasised a clear focus on safety first, passenger-centric development, efficient operations, employee welfare and timely execution of infrastructure projects, while ensuring that the newly formed South Coast Railway Zone progresses in a coordinated and responsive manner to meet the needs of passengers, railway employees and the public.

                     K.V.SHARMA EDITOR