DRM, Salem Division, Southern Railway, travels in train to interact with passengers and conducts inspection of Pantry Car

As part of the Indian Railways’ Customer Facilitation Fortnight from 26.05.2015 to 09.06.2015, today (30.05.2015), Shri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Southern Railway, travelled in Train No. 13351 Dhanbad-Alleppey Express from Salem, to interact with the passengers of second class reserved coaches and for inspection of the pantry car.

During the inspection of the pantry car, it was found that the price list board was not clear and the Catering Contractor was advised to clean it and make the items and prices visible. Shri Shubhranshu observed that a large number of water bottle boxes were stacked at one of the doors of the pantry blocking entry and exit and he ordered them to be removed immediately, to make the entry path clear.  Further, he observed that the gas cylinder regulators that were being used in the pantry car were of poor standard, he asked the Canteen Manager to change them with ISI certified regulators with immediate effect. When it was found that a traditional lamp was lit inside the pantry car, the pantry staff were warned not to indulge in such practices inside the pantry car, as the cooking gas is being used in the car, and such a practice may prove fatal, in case of gas leakage.

During his interaction, many passengers expressed their appreciation and happiness on various steps Indian Railways is taking to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.  When a few passengers complained of the shortage of water available in the toilets and taps, Shri Shubranshu assured them that water will be filled in Erode Junction. Further, he explained to them that during summer season, the trains are overcrowded and as such the water usage is more than normal.  For a complaint on non-cleaning and dumping of food wastages in the vestibule, DRM assured them cleaning will be taken up at Erode and collapsible special design waste bins are being fitted in the vestibules. When a few passengers complained to Shri Shubhranshu on the quality of food items supplied, he asked them to give a written complaint or call Railway Customer Care No. 138 to register their grievances then and there, so that immediate action will be taken.

After completion of the inspection/interaction, Shri Shubhranshu, said that the Indian Railways are doing their best to keep the trains and stations clean by introduction of various steps, such as fitting of bio-toilets, placing of dust bins in platforms, etc., and only with the cooperation of the passengers, the railways will succeed in their efforts to maintain hygienity and cleanliness in railway premises.   

Launching of Customer Facilitation Fortnight at Salem Division, Southern Railway

Indian Railways is observing a Rail Passenger/Rail User Facilitation Fortnight from 26.05.2015 to 09.06.2015. Various activities including inauguration/launch of passenger amenities at various stations in Salem Division, wall painting programs, health/medical checkup camps, for railway staff, special ticket checking drives, special cleaning drives. etc. are being conducted by Salem Division, Southern Railway, during this period.

As a part of this, the 2 Automated Ticket Vending Machines installed at the Salem Junction were formally launched by Sri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, for the use of passengers, today (26.05.2015).

After the launch, while meeting the media persons in the new station building annexe of the Salem Junction, Sri Shubhranshu said that this fortnight was being observed with a view to inform the general public and the rail passengers about the various activities carried out by Salem Division and what are the future plans. Public and passengers will be invited to be involved more in the activities by railways as railways are a public property. All stakeholders in railways such as railway contractors and vendors have been advised to be more friendly in their interactions with the passengers/public.

Sri Shubhranshu further added that various amenities have been added for the convenience of passengers in Salem Division, such as 15 Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) such as the two installed in Salem Junction, have been installed in various railway stations of Salem Division, with a view to fulfill the aim of the “Operation 5 minutes” i.e. to ensure that every passenger gets his/her ticket in less than 5 minutes. The ATVMs will be operated by a facilitator in each station initially, till an awareness is created among the passengers on usage of these machines. These ATVMs will eliminate long queues and also help them save money in railway tickets by way of 5% bonus value being added to the smart card during every recharge.

On the handling of summer rush in ticket counters, Sri Shubhranshu said that 8 new tickets counters have been added in major stations such as Coimbatore (2), Tiruppur(2), Erode (1), Salem (2) and Karur (1) and 17 Jansadaharan Ticket Booking Sevaks (the private ticket selling agents for unreserved tickets who operate from outside the station premises) and 23 Station Ticket Booking Sevaks (who operate within the station premises in small stations) to ensure that the passengers are provided with tickets without waiting.  A facility has been added at Coimbatore junction to issue confirmed tickets, even after the chart had been prepared, if seats/berths were available, he said.

To manage the summer heat, 21 water coolers have been installed in various stations and RO water plants have been installed in Mettupalayam, Coonoor, Ooty and Tiruppur stations with the participation of public.

On technology front, Shri Shubhranshu said that wireless Digital Coach Indication Boards are being installed in every platform of all the stations in Salem Division, and tenders have been called for the same.

During this Customer Facilitation Fortnight, the 2^nd entry of Tiruppur Junction and the new station building at the Coimbatore North station and a Emergency Medical Care Centre at Coonoor Station will be dedicated, he informed.  

He also joined the volunteers in the cleaning activities carried out at the Salem Junction, along with other officials of Salem Division.  

Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) installed by Salem Division, Southern Railway

As the first step in using technology to achieve the mission of “Operation Five Minutes”, Salem Division, Southern Railway has installed Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) to ensure that the rail passengers get their unreserved tickets just in 5 minutes.

15 such ATVMs have been installed in 9 major stations of Salem Division, such as Salem, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Karur, Athur, Chinna Salem, etc., These ATVMs are functioning in the said stations on trial basis and will be dedicated on 26^th May, 2015, the starting day of the Passengers/Rail Users’ Fortnight, which is being observed up to 9^th June, 2015.

 The ATVMs will be operational 24 hours, which are provided with user friendly touch screen. A passenger can buy Second Class unreserved tickets for the Mail/Express/Super Fast Express trains from the station where the ATVM is installed, to any station, and  platform tickets. Season tickets can also be renewed using the ATVM. Tickets can be cancelled before they got printed.

To get tickets through the ATVM, the passenger should buy Smart Cards, which are priced at Rs.100/- of which Rs.50/- will be refundable Security Deposit. The recharge of these Smart Cards can be done at the exclusive counters available in the stations. Top up/recharge can be done for a minimum of Rs.20/- and then, in multiples of Rs.50/- up to  a maximum of Rs.5,000/- per card. The smart card can be used by anybody and are therefore transferrable. There is no need to submit any document for purchase of these Smart Cards. The recharge of the Smart Card should be done at least once a year, to keep it valid. 5% bonus will be added to the value of the Smart Cards at the time of recharge/purchase, subject to certain conditions. It effectively means a concession of 5% on the ticket value.

Ways to get a ticket using Automated Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM)

1.                   

Place the Smart Card on the sensor

Choose the language and zone

Choose destination, route and type

Select No. of adults/children and press “Ticket”

Verify details and press “Print” to collect the ticket 

Timings for the Coimbatore-Chennai Central-Coimbatore Superfast Special Trains

The Timings for the Coimbatore-Chennai Central-Coimbatore Superfast Special Trains already announced are given herebelow:   

T. No.06032 Chennai Central Coimbatore Superfast special
Station	¯
Chennai Central	(d)	(Fri) 22:30
Perambur	--	--
Arakkonam	(a/d)	23:28/23.30
Katpadi	(a/d)	(Sat) 00:18/00.20
Jolarpettai	(a/d)	01.28/01.30
SALEM	(a/d)	03:17/03.20
ERODE	(a/d)	04:27/04.30
TIRUPPUR	(a/d)	05:13/05.15
COIMBATORE NORTH	(a/d)	05.58/06.00
COIMBATORE	(a)	(Sat) 06:40

T. No.06033 Coimbatore Chennai Central  Superfast Special
Station	¯
COIMBATORE	(d)	23.30 (Sun)
TIRUPPUR	(a/d)	00.03/00.05 (Mon)
ERODE	(a/d)	00.50/00.55
SALEM	(a/d)	01.50/01.55
Jolarpettai	(a/d)	03.43/03.45
Katpadi	(a/d)	04.53/04.55
Arakkonam	(a/d)	05.43/05.45
Perambur	(a/d)	06.33/06.35
Chennai Central	(a)	07.15 (Mon)

Change in timing of Temporary Stoppage at Danishpet for Train No. 12676

The Temporary Stoppage timing for Train No. 12676 Coimbatore Chennai Central Kovai Express at Danishpet on 24.05.2015 will be 17.24 Hrs. instead of 17.08 Hrs. 

Resumption of Passenger train services between Salem and Mettur Dam

On completion of track maintenance works between Salem Magnasite junction and Omalur today, the train services between Salem and Mettur Dam will be resumed from tomorrow (19.05.2015). As such, T.Nos. 56102/56103 Salem-Mettur Dam-Salem Passenger services will be fully operational and T.No.56100/56101 Erode-Mettur Dam-Erode Passenger train services will now be extended up to Mettur Dam from Salem, to regular timings, from 19.05.2015 onwards.  

Coimbatore-Chennai Central – Coimbatore Special Trains via Salem, Erode, Tirupur & Coimbatore North

The following special trains will be run to clear the extra rush of traffic in Coimbatore-Chennai Central – Coimbatore sector.

1. Superfast special train from Chennai Central to Coimbatore Train No.06032 Chennai Central – Coimbatore superfast special train will leave Chennai Central at 22.30 hrs. on 22.05.2015 & 29.05.2015 and reach Coimbatore at 06.40 hrs. the next day. Composition of the train: AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2, Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggage-cum-brake van. The train will stop at Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, SALEM, ERODE, TIRUPPUR and COIMBATORE NORTH.

2. PREMIUM superfast special train from Coimbatore to Chennai Central Train No.00604 Coimbatore – Chennai Central PREMIUM superfast special train will leave Coimbatore at 23.30 hrs. on ய and reach Chennai Central at 07.15 hrs. the next day. Composition of the train: AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2, Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2. The train will stop at TIRUPPUR, ERODE, SALEM, Jolarpettai and Arakkonam.

Advance reservations for the above trains will commence on 16.05.2015.

Electrical safety week observed in Salem Division

Indian Railways is observing Electrical Safety Week every year, with a view to educate Railway Employees, General Public and passengers on safe usage of electricity, in offices, railway premises, homes, public places, etc.,

Salem Division, Southern Railway, has conducted various awareness programs all over Salem Division from 02.05.2015 onwards, in this regard.  During this Electrical Safety Week, various activities were undertaken by the Electrical General Branch of Salem Division, such as distribution of pamphlets to train passengers emphasizing the safe usage of electrical fittings in coaches, railway premises or elsewhere, conducting of safety seminar for railway staff  in 6 major railway stations such as Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Karur & Metupalayam, and conducting of quiz programs, essay competitions, slogan writing competitions for Railway Staff on electrical safety. Further, volunteers from the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade of Southern Railway, conducted a training class for the railway staff on providing crucial first aid to the victims of the electrical mishaps.

On the valedictory function held today (12.05.15),  a presentation on Electrical Safety was provided by Sri Magesh and Sri Arun from Sarvam Safety Equipments, Chennai, on the safe methods of working in electrified sections, duly emphasizing the need for use of electrical safety gear while working on live electrical areas.

Sri S. Rengarajan, Sr. Divisional Electrical Engineer/General, Salem Division, presented the prizes and awards to the winners of various competitions. 

Temporary Stoppage Of Express Trains At Danishpet

In connection with State level Annual conference at Danishpet conducted by Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Chennai, it is permitted to provide Temporary stoppage for 1 minute at Danishpet as follows for the following trains to cater the attending the meeting on 21^, 22 & 24  May, 2015. The time lost on account of the temporary stoppage will be adjusted during the operation of the trains. 

Train No. & Destination	Timings at  Danishpet	Stoppage Date
22649   Chennai-Erode Yercaud Express	04.18	21.05.2015 & 22.05.2015
22637   Chennai-Mangalore  West Coast Express	16.19	21.05.2015
12675   Chennai-Coimbatore  Kovai Express	10.42	21.05.2015
12676   Coimbatore-Chennai  Kovai Express	17.12	24.05.2015

Salem Division Railway User’s Consultative Committee (DRUCC) Meeting

The 14^th Divisional Railway User’s consultative committee (DRUCC) meeting of Salem division, Southern Railway was held today (08.05.2015) at Salem Division office. Shri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division & Chairperson, DRUCC/Salem Division presided over the meeting. Shri. V.Thavamanipandi, Addl. Divisional Railway Manager, Shri. K.P.Damodaran, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager & Secretary, DRUCC/Salem Division, Sri. E. Hari Krishnan, Sr. Division Operations Manager, Salem, other Salem Division officials and members of the DRUCC from various places like Salem, Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, Tiruppur, Mettupalayam, Dharmapuri, Coonoor, etc., participated in the meeting.

While addressing the DRUCC members, Shri Shubhranshu, DRM, Salem, stated that Salem Division administration is working relentlessly to improve the passenger amenities. He mentioned that the new station building was opened at the Salem junction recently, and that the second entry for the Tirupur junction is to be opened shortly. On the parking problems faced at the Salem Junction, DRM stated that it is being planned to have a second entrance on the other side of the junction, duly shifting the goods shed therein to Salem Market.  To help the passengers during the summer, 21 water coolers have been installed in major stations such as Coimbatore, Mettupalayam, Pothanur, etc., To facilitate the passengers to identify their coaches easily, Wi-fi enabled coach guidance system is in place in Coimbatore and other major stations, he added. Automated Ticket Vending Machines are being planned to be installed in stations such as Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Karur, Chinnaselam, Athur, Mettupalayam, etc.,

To various queries by the individual members, DRM and Sr.DCM replied as under:

1. Erode: For a question from Sri C.S. Gowthaman, Member from Erode on the unauthorised entry by unreserved passengers in the reserved coaches, DRM said that patrolling will be intensified to check the same.

2.   Erode: On the issue of provision of lifts and escalators, raised by Sri N. Sivanesan of Erode, it was assured that 2 lifts and 2 escalators at Erode has been planned and tenders have been opened for the same.

3.      Coimbatore: On the question by Sri C. Balasubramanian, member from Coimbatore on introduction of train linking Coimbatore to Bangaluru, DRM replied that already a few trains are passing through Coimbatore are connecting Bangaluru and a proposal has already been sent to introduce a regular train between Coimbatore and Bangaluru.

4.      Coimbatore: When Sri. Jeyakrishna Palanisamy, member from Coimbatore, requested for stoppage of Nilagiri Express and Cheran Express at Peelamedu and Irugur stations, it was clarified that since the platforms in the said stations can accommodate only 21 coaches and the above trains are of 24 coach formation, once the platform extension work is completed, the stoppage will be considered.  

5. Mettupalayam: When the question of operating the Mettupalayam-Coimbatore passenger train and stopping the said train at Thudiyalur was raised by Sri P.Rajendran, it was clarified that the feasibility of running the train on Sundays is being explored and a proposal has already been sent for stopping of the train at Thudiyalur.

6.    Tiruppur: When Sri J.V.Suresh Kumar requested for provision of a pay and use toilet  in Platform No.2, he was assured that the same will be considered.

7.     Tiruppur: On the question of increasing the number of ticket issue counters during peak hours, raised by Sri Kishore Kumar Krishnasamy, Sr.DCM replied that there are 2 counters functioning on both the entrances of the Tiruppur junction at present, of which one counter is functioning round the clock from 6.00 hrs. to 22.00 hrs.

8.   Salem: To a specific request by Dr. P. Aththianna, member from Salem, Sr.DCM assured that specific announcement will be added to the public announcement stations to indicate the coaches for the differently abled persons, while announcing the coach position before train arrival, to enable the differently abled persons to identify their coach easily. To facilitate the issue of ID cards for the differently abled persons to avail concessional train fares, it was informed to the members that Salem Division is willing to send its officials to the offices of the Differently Abled Passengers’ Association directly, on a designated day, to collect the application forms.

9.  Dharmapuri: When Sri A. Saravanan, raised the question of stoppage of trains at Morappur and Bommidi on a regular basis, it was clarified to him that permanent stoppage of trains come under the purview of the Railway Board and it was requested to him to make a representation to the Railway Board, through the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, in this regard.

The DRUCC members appreciated the officers and staff of the Salem Division Southern Railway in attending to various requests/demands made by them for the betterment of service to the rail users and assured all the help to the administration in this regard.     

Earlier, Sri K. P. Damodaran, Sr.DCM, welcomed the members, and the meeting was concluded with the vote of thanks by Sri. E. Hari Krishnan, Sr. DOM, Salem.  

Introduction of modern Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes for the Salem-Vridhachalam Passenger Trains

The rakes of the T.Nos. 56835/56836/56837/56838 Salem-Vridhachalam-Salem Passenger Trains will be replaced by the modern 1400 High Horse Power Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes from 08.05.2015 onwards.  The rake will consist of 8 coaches, of which 2 are driving power coaches (DPC-i.e. locomotive connected passenger cars) on both the ends and the balance 6 will be Passenger coaches. The main advantages of these rakes are the coaches are inter-connected with each other by vestibules, so as enable the passengers to walk from end to end.  The capacity of the Passenger cars will be 312 (96 sitting+216 standing)  as against 90 in the conventional day coaches. In the 2 driving power cars, the capacity will be 138 (53 sitting+85 standing). In addition, since there are two driving power cars attached to both the ends, there is no need for turnaround of the locomotive at the destination in these push-pull type rakes. There will be a toilet available at one end of each passenger car. Timings of the DEMUs: T.No.56835-Vridhachalam-06.00 Hrs.-Salem-09.20 Hrs.;  T.No.56838-Salem-09.50 Hrs.-Vridhachalam-12.55 Hrs;  T.No.56837-Vridhachalam-13.30 Hrs.-Salem-16.45 Hrs.;  T.No.56836-Salem-18.30 Hrs.-Vridhachalam-22.05 Hrs.