Saturday, 30 January 2016

New Chief Commercial Manager for Southern Railway

Shri Ajeet Saxena assumed charge as the Chief Commercial Manager (CCM) of Southern Railway yesterday (29.01.2016, Friday).

The new CCM, Southern Railway, is a Civil Engineering graduate from IIT, Roorkee.  He has also acquired  MBA degree  in Management Programme.  Prior to joining Railway Service, he was the Deputy Collector/Karaikal in Pondicherry Union Territory during 1982.

Shri Ajeet Saxena joined Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in the year 1982 and he has worked in various capacities in Central Railway, Western Railway, South Central Railway, North Central Railway, in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkatta, respectively.

He was instrumental in starting the first ever Railway Helpline in Indian Railways, when he was the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (SrDCM), Jhansi Division in the year 2003.

In the year 2006, he was posted as Chief Traffic Manager, Southern Railway, in 2006, and before assuming charge as CCM, Sri Saxena  was functioning as the Chief Claims Officer (CCO), Southern Railway.

Tuesday, 26 January 2016

67th Republic Day Celebrations at Salem Division, Southern Railway

 Sri Shubhranshu, DRM, unfurling the tricolor
 Shri Shubhranshu, DRM, saluting the National Flag
 Sri Shubhranshu, Saluting the National Flag
 Shri Shubhranshu insecting the guard of honor by the  RPF Contingent
 Shri Shubhranshu, DRM, addressing the gathering (on his right Shri Raajmohan, DSC and on his left Shri Govindarajan, ASC
 Shri Shubhranshu interacting with the parade commanders
 RPF Kennel Squad Dog Obeying the Command by its trainer
 A dog is sniffing for the hidden explosives underground
 Shri Senthil Kumar, Goods Guard, Erode, receiving certificate from Shri Shubhranshu, DRM, for averting an accident, by detecting a Hot Axle in the Goods Train
 Sri Selvakumar, Dy.Station Master/Commercial is receiving the Merit Certificate from Shri Shubhranshu, DRM, for safely returning 10 Sovereign Gold contained bag to a women passenger  
Colorful cultural program by the wards of Salem Division employees 

The 67th Republic Day was celebrated today (26.01.2016) with gay and gaiety in the Salem Division of Southern Railway, with Shri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, hoisting the national flag and accepting the guard of honor by the RPF battalion. The function was attended by the officers & staff of the Salem Division and their family members in large numbers.

For the first time, as a special gesture of recognizing the staff who have done exemplary works towards safety in train operations and passenger services, Shri Shubhranshu, handed over Certificates and Cash Award to 5 employees of Salem Division.

While addressing the large gathering of officers and staff of Salem Division, Shri Shubhranshu, recalled the adaptation of the Constitution of India on this day, with a view to protect the welfare of common men. Railways are also playing a major role in this, by way of employment opportunities, directly and indirectly.

Performance of Salem Division:
He mentioned that Salem Division has performed better than last year from April to December, as the Division’s Passenger earnings have increased by 4% from Rs.340 crores to Rs.355 crores, and other coaching earnings by 7%, despite the fall in freight earnings, as the Salem Division has moved about 4 lakh tones. He further stated that by strict implementation of austerity  measures, the Division’s expenditure brought down from Rs. 761 crores to Rs.670 crores. Though there was a slight slump in punctuality to 86% from April to November 2015, during December, 2015, it was brought back to 90% and it would be improved further, he added.

New Trains
He said that apart from introduction of new generation Diesel Electric Multiple Units for the Salem-Vridhachalam Section and enhancement of passenger train services in the Salem-Namakkal-Karur Section, proposals have been sent for new express trains such as Salem-Chennai Egmore daytime Express, Trichy-Bangalore Night Train Express via Vridhachalam, Salem, passenger trains from Salem to Thanjavur, Salem to Madurai via Karur, and for extension of Trichy-Karur Passenger up to Salem.        
                       
Passenger Amenities/Grievance Redressal
From April to December, 2015, he said that the following achievements have been made by Salem Division:

Mettupalayam – Coimbatore North Electrification.
New Passenger waiting hall on PF 3/4 at Salem Junction.
Fifteen Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) have been installed at all important stations.
New station building at Coimbatore North.
Construction of second entry and Passenger Waiting Hall at at PF.2 at Tiruppur.
Removal of Scissors Cross over at CBE, to enhance safety in operation of trains
Extension of high level platform 2/3 at Bommidi
New Foot Over Bridge at Sankaridurg.
New Retiring Rooms at Karur.
Coach guidance display system on PF.1 & 4 at Coimbatore.
Rail Museum at Mettupalayam.
Private Ticket Reservation centre with extended working hours, at Erode Bus stand under Yatri Ticket Sewak Kendra scheme.
On-line complaint management system was introduced for the passengers and during the period between April to Dec. 15, about 500 complaints have been redressed.  In spite of this, the complaints received through emails and social media like Whatsapp, Twitter and Facebook are also redressed immediately.  

Green Initiatives
He further stated that Salem Division continues its focus on green initiatives, by installation of Solar PV panels of 2.88 kW capacity at Tiruppur and Solar Water heaters at Coimabtore, Tiruppur, and Salem junction passenger retiring rooms and  1kW solar power system to cater the need of the DRM’s administrative office building, is being taken up.

Cleanliness
In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat Mission, Salem Division is continuing its  massive cleanliness drives throughout the Division during 2015 involving all our officers, staff, NGOs, School & College students, on a regular basis and awareness campaign on cleanliness are being conducted at important stations to educate the public to keep the surroundings clean, he said.  Wall paintings on compound walls also have been organized utilizing the services of NGOs and School children.  A large number of tree saplings have also been planted all over the Division. 

Staff Welfare
On staff welfare front, Sri Shubhranshu, said that during the current year, 1118 candidates have been  appointed through RRB, RRC,  Compassionate Ground and under LARSGESS (voluntary retirement scheme for Safety Category employees and provision of employment to their wards) scheme.  He said that from April to December, 2015, 1345 employees have been promoted as compared to 627 during last year.  144 Wards of Railway employees who secured 85% above were given about Rs.4.35 lakhs as merit scholarship. 16 Employees who were on chronic illness were sanctioned Rs.2.85 lakhs as relief from DSBF.  The staff grievances system is functioning effectively.  During current year, we have redressed 493 grievances when compared to 443 during last year.  In addition, he said that Salem Division has constructed new Railway Institute at Salem and renovated the Kalyanamandap at Karur.  The newly constructed Hospital Building at Erode is completed and will be opened shortly.  50 New quarters were constructed and ready for allotment at Athur and Karur.  All the Holiday Homes at Ooty and Coonoor have been refurbished and provided with new furniture and television with cable connection.    For reaching out immediate updates to the employees, Salem Division has introduced the system of sending swift bulk SMS through mobile phones to all employees regarding pay, bonus, PF etc, he added. Aadhar special camp exclusively for Railway employees was conducted at Erode and about 700 employees and their family members have enrolled for the same and action is being taken to conduct a special camp at Salem also for the residents of Salem and adjoining areas.

Safety & Security
He also lauded the role played by the RPF for safe and secure journey of passengers.  On Safety frot, he said that Salem Division has been conducting various seminars, awareness campaign to road users as well as railwaymen on the safe crossing of Level crossings as well as safe operation of trains.  He also mentioned about the recently introduced Automatic Train Warning System at unmanned Level Crossing gate as a trial measure which will give advance warning to the road users. Salem Division is also focusing on 100% elimination of unmanned level crossings by way of providing Limited Use subways, Road Over Bridges and Road Under bridges.

A captivating Dog Show and valour show by the commandants of the RPF staff, cultural programs by children from Railway Schools and staff of Salem Division were a fitting finale for the grand Republic Day Celebrations.

Tuesday, 19 January 2016

Special Trains between Chennai Central and Ernakulam via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur & Coimbatore

1.  Special fare special train from Chennai Central to Ernakulam Jn.

Train No.06182 Chennai Central – Ernakulam Jn. special fare special train will leave Chennai Central at 18.20 hrs. on 25.01.2016 and reach Ernakulam Jn. at 07.30 hrs. the next day.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2, Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2 coaches

Stoppages:  Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva and Ernakulam Town.

2.  Suvidha superfast special train from Ernakulam Jn. to Chennai Central

Train No.00643 Ernakulam Jn. – Chennai Central Suvidha superfast special train will leave Ernakulam Jn. at 20.20 hrs. on 26.01.2016 and reach Chennai Central at 08.35 hrs. the next day.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2, Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2 coaches

Stoppages:  Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Arakkonam and Perambur.

 Advance reservations for the above trains are now open

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

Special train between Coimbatore Junction – Chennai Egmore via Salem, China Salem & Athur, on 17.01.2016

The following special trains will be run to clear the extra rush of traffic.

Special train between Coimbatore Junction – Chennai Egmore.

Train No.06168 Coimbatore Junction – Chennai Egmore special will leave Coimbatore at 05.30 hrs. o­n 17.01.2016 and reach Chennai Egmore at 16.15 hrs. same day.

Stoppages: Coimbatore North, Tiruppur, Uttukuli, Erode, Sankaridurg, Salem Juntion, Salem Town, Attur, Chinna Salem, Vridhachalam, Villupuram, Tindivanam, Melmaruvattur, Chengalpattu, Tambaram and Mambalam.

Composition:– 1 AC 3-tier, 4 Sleeper Class, 6 General second class and 2 second class cum-luggage coaches.

Advance reservations for the above trains are now open

Monday, 11 January 2016

SPECIAL TRAINS FOR PONGAL FESTIVAL

The following special trains will be run to clear the extra rush of traffic in view of Pongal festival.

1.  Special trains between Chennai Egmore – Coimbatore (via  Vriddhachalam, Chinna Salem, Athur & Salem)

Train No.06175 Chennai Egmore – Coimbatore special train will leave Chennai Egmore at 10.15 hrs. on 13.01.2016 and reach Coimbatore at 21.00 hrs. the same day.

Train No.06176 Coimbatore – Chennai Egmore special train will leave Coimbatore at 05.30 hrs. on 14.01.2016 and reach Chennai Egmore at 16.15 hrs. the same day.
Composition:  AC 3-tier – 1, Sleeper Class – 9, General Second Class – 6 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2 coaches.

Stoppages:  Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Melmaruvathur, Tindivanam, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Chinna Salem, Attur, Salem Town, Salem Jn., Sankaridurg, Erode, Uthukkuli, Tirupur and Coimbatore North. 

Train No.06176 Coimbatore – Chennai Egmore special train will stop at Mambalam also.

2.  Special train from Kochuveli to Chennai Central via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur & Coimbatore

Train No.06178 Kochuveli – Chennai Central special train will leave Kochuveli at 01.00 hrs. on 16.01.2016 and reach Chennai Central at 18.30 hrs. the same day.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 1, Sleeper Class – 3, Second Class Chair Car – 3, General Second Class – 10 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2 coaches.

Stoppages:  Kollam, Kayamkulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Arakkonam and Perambur.

Advance reservations for the above trains are open.

Saturday, 9 January 2016

Special trains via Coimbatore and Salem

The following special trains will be run to clear the extra rush of traffic.

1.  Suvidha superfast special train from Chennai Central to Ernakulam Junction:

Train No.00638 Chennai Central – Ernakulam Junction Suvidha superfast special train will leave Chennai Central at 22.30 hrs. on 22.01.2016 and reach Ernakulam Junction at 11.55 hrs. the next day.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2,Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggeage cum Break vans – 2.

Stoppages:  Katpadi, Erode, Coimbatore, Palghat and Thrissur.

2. Superfast special train from Ernakulam Junciton to Chennai Central.

Train No.06172 Ernakulam Junction – Chennai Central Superfast special will leave Ernakulam Junction at 19.00 hrs. on 24.01.2016 and reach Chennai Central at 07.15 hrs. the next day.

Stoppages:  Aluva, Thrissur, Palghat, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Arakkonam and Perambur.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2,Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggeage cum Break vans – 2.

Advance reservations for the above trains will commence on 10.01.2016

Special trains from Coimbatore via Salem & Athur

The following special trains will be run to clear the extra rush of traffic.

Special train between Puducherry - Coimbatore Junction.

Train No.06167 Puducherry – Coimbatore Junction special will leave Puducherry at 12.30 hrs. on 16.01.2016 and reach Coimbatore at 21.00 hrs. same day.

Stoppages:  Villupuram, Vridhachalam, Chinna Salem, Attur, Salem Town, Salem Junction, Sankaridurg, Erode, Uttukuli, Tiruppur and Coimbatore North.

Composition:  – AC 3-tier – 1, Sleeper Class –4, General second class 6 and luggage-cum-brakevan  coaches 2.

Special train between  Coimbatore Junction – Chennai Egmore.

Train No.06168 Coimbatore Juntion – Chennai Egmore special will leave Coimbatore at 5.30 hrs. on 17.01.2016 and reach Chennai Egmore at 16.15 hrs. same day.

Stoppages:  Coimbatore North, Tiruppur, Uttukuli, Erode, Sankaridurg, Salem Juntion, Salem Town, Attur, Chinna Salem, Vridhachalam, Villupuram, Tindivanam, Melmaruvattur, Chengalpattu, Tambaram and Mambalam.

Composition:  – AC 3-tier – 1, Sleeper Class – 4, General second class 6 and luggage-cum-brakevan  coaches 2.

Advance reservations for the above trains will commence on 10.01.2016.

Friday, 8 January 2016

Suvidha superfast special train from Mangalore Junction to Chennai Central via SALEM, ERODE, TIRUPPUR & COIMBATORE

Train No.00637 Mangalore Junction – Chennai Central Suvidha superfast special  train will leave Mangalore Junction at 19.50 hrs. on 17.01.2016 and reach Chennai Central at 11.55 hrs. the next day.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 2, AC 3-tier – 3,Sleeper Class – 12 & Luggeage cum Break vans – 2.


Stoppages:  Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Kuttipuram, Shoranur Jn, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Arakkonam and Perambur.

Advance reservations for the above trains will commence on 09.01.2016

Erode Railway School’s assistance for Chennai Flood victims

Shri Shubhranshu, DRM,(1st from right) receiving the cheque from Sri G. Janarthanan (1st from left) & Sri M. Dasan (in middle)

With a view to provide some solace and in expression of solidarity to the recent Chennai Flood victims, the teaching staff, members of the Parents Teachers Association and the students of the Railway Mixed High School,  Erode, have voluntary contributed an  amount of Rs.82,521/-, for aiding the victims. The cheque for Rs.82,521/- drawn in favour of the  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, was handed over by Sri G. Janarthanan, the Divisional Personnel Officer of Salem Division/Correspondent of the Railway Mixed High School, and Sri M. Dasan, Head Master of Erode Railway Mixed High School, to Sri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Southern Railway, for onward transfer to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.                                

Wednesday, 6 January 2016

Salem Division, Southern Railway takes a big leap towards energy conservation by distribution of large number of LED bulbs to railway employees at subsidy

 Sri Shubhranshu DRM distributing LED lamp to an employee. Sri S. Rengarajan, Sr.DEE (2nd from Left) & Sri S. Balasubramanian, ADEE (3rd from left) look on
 Sri Shubhranshu DRM addressing the employees (L-R) Sri RS Sinha, ADRM, DRM, Sri S. Rengarajan Sr.DEE & Sri S. Balasubramanian ADEE
Sri Shubhranshu, DRM, checking one of the LED bulbs 

As part of its efforts towards utilising green energy and conservation of conventional energy, the Electrical Branch of Salem Division, Southern Railway,  on 05.01.2016, started distributing energy efficient & high luminance 7 watt LED lamps to the railway employees at a subsidized rate of Rs.100/- as against the market price of Rs.300/- for similar capacity lamps.  While similarly priced LED bulbs don’t carry any warranty, these subsidized LED bulbs are supported by 3 years replacement warranty. These 7 watt LED lamps have a luminance of 700  that is provided by an incandescent bulb of 40 watts, thus saving about 6 times of electricity.
The distribution of LED lamps was launched by Sri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, in the presence of Sri R.S. Sinha, ADRM, Sri S. Rangarajan, Sr. Divisional Electrical Engineer/General, and other Branch officers and staff. Railway employees showed extreme interest in installing such energy efficient LED lamps in their residence and within a short time, the entire initial stock of 300 LED lamps were distributed.
On an average a common incandescent lamp of 40 watt capacity lit for 12 hours would consume 14 units of electricity/month, whereas with the usage of LED bulb it would come down to 2.5 Units on lighting due to the energy efficiency of these LED lamps, once installed, thus resulting in a minimum saving of Rs.34/- per month.
During the launch of LED lamps distribution, Shri Shubhranshu expressed his happiness over this initiative by the Electrical General branch of Salem Division and said that every unit of electricity saved is to be deemed as that much energy produced. Energy saved thus on the domestic front, he said, can be diverted to more productive purposes, in the industrial front. There is a possibility of the country becoming energy surplus nation, by such small steps everywhere, he added.
This distribution of energy efficient LED lamps is being carried out under the DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program) initiative of the Govt. of India. On a larger perspective, usage of LED lamps help to save a whopping 1.56 crore kwh units,resulting in cost savings of Rs. 6.14 crores per day, apart from reducing carbon emission to the extent of 12,750 units of CO2 per day. This will also help to reduce peak demand for electricity by 1,434 MW.