South Central Railway (SCR), Vijayawada Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), R. Dhananjayulu, who took stock of the situation in the division after taking charge on April 17 this year, has focussed on expediting the new projects, including connectivity to the A.P. capital city Amaravati. Priority is being given for safety, passenger amenities and increasing passenger and freight revenues in the division, the DRM said in an interview with The Hindu .
Vijayawada railway station recently bagged the fourth place in cleanliness. What is your response?
The credit goes to the passengers who are cooperating with the railway authorities in maintaining hygienic conditions in Vijayawada station premises as well as on moving trains. I congratulate the staff for the achievement. About 200 sanitation staff were deployed in the station with cleaning machines and 150 staff were arranged to clean the bogies.
What are the steps being taken to maintain quality in food items and drinking water in canteens on platforms?
SCR will supply Krishna water in the station after purification. We clean water tanks and take up chlorination frequently.
Officials concerned will conduct random checking and the water being supplied through tanks is cent per cent safe.
As regards food items, we will conduct surprise checks in canteens and check quality of food. Railways will not compromise on food quality and we will not hesitate to cancel licences, if any vendor fails to maintain standards.
What is the status of new projects in the division?
We are waiting for approval for rail connectivity to new Capital, Amaravati. The Vijayawada-Bhimavaram, Narsapur-Machilipatnam doubling and electrification works are going on. Likewise, third line works are under progress between Vijayawada-Kazipet and Vijayawada-Gudur-Chennai. As part, the Vijayawada-Kondapalli third line will be commissioned shortly.
How are the earnings of Vijayawada division?
Going to the previous year’s figures, the freight revenue is not good as coal imports from other countries have stopped. Instead, we are focussing on alternative loadings such as fertilizers, bauxite, laterite, aluminium fins and gypsum. This year, both the passenger and freight revenue earnings show positive growth in the last two months.
54 surveillance cameras
Explain about security on stations and running trains.
In all, 54 surveillance cameras were installed in Vijayawada railway station. The GRP and RPF identified vulnerable trains and sections and there were no major thefts and the crime rate has come down in the division.
What are the benefits of Route Relay Interlocking (RRI), which was completed recently in Vijayawada station?
RRI has increased operational manoeuvrability and safety. More than 700 routes are possible after RRI, which was taken up with advanced technology.
Give details on passenger amenities in stations.
In Vijayawada railway station, escalators were provided on platforms 2 to 7, and now we are installing escalators on 8 and 9 platforms. Besides, lifts were provided.
The bids will be opened by this month end for Station Re-Development Programme which will provide more facilities for the commuters.
What are the steps being taken to prevent accidents at railway gates?
We have 23 unmanned level crossing gates in Vijayawada Railway Division. We will remove all the unmanned gates by this year end in a phased manner.
