Meeting with Freight Customers of Salem Division, Southern Railway, on Sanyojan Diwas (Coordination Day) of Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Customer Facilitation Week)

DRM in centre discussing with the 15 representatives from 9 freight customer companies

On the 6^th day of the Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Customer Facilitation Week) that has been observed as Sanyojan Diwas (Coordination Day) was observed all over Indian Railways on 31.05.2016.

In a meeting on the occasion of  Sanyojan Diwas held at Salem Divisional Office today, under the chairmanship of Sri Hari Shankar Verma, 15 representatives from 9 major freight customers of Salem Division participated and discussed various issues.

Representatives from Chettinad Cements Limited, at Palayam and Veerarakiyam, India Cements Ltd., Sangagiri, TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corpn Ltd), CONCOR Ltd., JSW Ltd., Srinivasa Roadways, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd., Vikram Parcel Services, put forth various subjects such as

§  Due to wagon defect bottom, layer of cement bags getting damaged.

§  Railway should avoid bunching of rakes.

§  Expiry of the licence agreement  

§ Incoming wagons are in welded condition and it takes time to unload these wagons.

§  Loading of parcels at Tirupur in trains has become difficult as the trains have only 2 minutes stoppage only.

For the above issues, DRM said that since the Railways are getting majority of their revenue from freight traffic only, he would look into all the issues and set them right at the earliest possible. He assured all help would be provided to the freight customers. He also requested the trade representatives to contact him or ADRM directly, in case of their issues are not solved at the Branch Officers’ level.  

Trees planted, colonies inspected, employees grievances heard and sports competitions held on the 5th day (Saamanjasya Diwas-Harmony Day) of the Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Rail Customer Facilitation Week) in Salem Division, Southern Railway

 

 

The walking park under development in the East Railway Colony, Salem

 DRM discussing with the members of the Salem Tree Club

 DRM is planting a tree sapling

 DRM is watering the sapling

 DCM Co-ordination planting a tree

 Tree planting at Railway Colony, Tirupur 

 Employees' meeting with DRM

  Employees' meeting with DRM

Salem Division employees and their family members participating in the sports

The fifth day of the Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Rail Customer Facilitation Week) was celebrated as Saamanjasya Diwas (Harmony Day) today (30.05.2016)  all over Indian Railways. The main focus of the day was on the devoted workforce of Indian Railways, to pay more attention to their grievances,  to conduct  sports activities for them, and to make the railway colonies a better living place. In this day, the In Salem Division, various activities were carried out in Salem Division, such as tree plantation, employee grievance redressal, sports competitions etc.

Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, along with Sri Ma. Vignavelu, Sr. Divisional Engineer-Coordination, Sri Viju Vin, Divl. Commercial Manager, Co-ordination, Sri Mariappan, Divisional Engineer, and other officers and staff inspected the East Railway Colony area and interacted with the Railway Staff living there. He also inspected a park that is getting ready therein, that has been planned as a walking park for the Railway Colony residents. Along with the members of the Salem Tree Club, he also planted tree saplings in the park. He also discussed with them the idea of creating a herbal plant park in the Salem Railway Colony. In other stations and residential colonies of the Salem Division, other officers took to tree planning in their respective designated places. Overall, 1000 tree saplings were planted, during this Saamanjasya Diwas.

Later, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, met about 37 employees of Salem Division, in his chamber and heard their grievances. Most of the grievances were in connection with transfer requests, non-receipt of arrears, request for waiver of penal rent for over-staying in the quarters, etc., DRM heard each employee separately and issued orders for redressal of the individual grievances. Sri R.S. Sinha, ADRM, Salm, and Sri G. Janarthanan, Divl. Personnel Officer, were present during the personal interviews.

Various sports activities were conducted in Erode, being the largest Railway Employees domicile. About 50 railway employees and their family member participated in various sports activities such as Running, Shotput, etc, Sri. R.S.Sinha, ADRM, gave away the prizes to the winners in the competitions.

Railway employees of Salem Division, expressed their happiness over the celebration of Saamanjasya Diwas, including them, as a part of the Rail Hamsafar Saptaah. 

The Carriage and Wagon Depots of Southern Railway, Salem Division, at Erode and Coimbatore have been awarded with ISO:9001:2008 Quality Certification/Inspection of DRM at Sangagiri Railway Station

Sri R. Kuppan, CME, (2nd from left), handing over the ISO Certificate for Erode Depot to Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, (3rd from left) along with him are Sri Pandian, Divl. President, SRMU, (1st left),  Sri Amit Kumar Sisodia Asst Divl Mech Engineer, Sri Chokalingam, Sr. Section Engineer, Carriage & Wagon Depot, Erode & Sri R. Saravanan, Sr. Divl Mech Engineer (partly hidden)

 Sri R. Kuppan, CME, (2nd from left), handing over the ISO Certificate for Coimbatore Depot to Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, (3rd from left) along with him are Sri Pandian, Divl. President, SRMU, (1st left),  Sri Amit Kumar Sisodia Asst Divl Mech Engineer, Sri R. Saravanan, Sr. Divl Mech Engineer, & Sri Peter, Sr. Section Engineer, Carriage & Wagon Depot, Coimbatore

 Sri Hari Sankar Verma addressing the media persons

 Sri Hari Sankar Verma addressing the gathering 

Sri R. Kuppan, addressing the gathering 

Sewa Diwas Logo

Sri Hari Shankar Verma inspecting the Sangagiri Station 

Sri Hari Shankar Verma interacting with the passenger 

Sri Hari Shankar Verma inspecting the Sangagiri Station premises

The Carriage and Wagon Depots of Southern Railway, Salem Division, at Erode and Coimbatore have been awarded with ISO:9001:2008 Quality Certification by M/s. Quest Certification. In a function held today (28.05.2016) in the Railway Basic Training Centre, Sri R. Kuppan, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Southern Railway, handed over the ISO Certificates to Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem.

These certificates have been received by the Carriage and Wagon Depots of Southern Railway, Salem Division, at Erode and Coimbatore, for implementing the Quality Management System in the maintenance of railway passenger coaches.

While addressing the gathering, Sri R. Kuppan, Chief Mechanical Engineer, stated that the receiving of ISO Quality certification would ensure customer satisfaction viz. the satisfaction of rail passengers and continued improvement, as the ISO system would require maintenance of same quality standards throughout and to ensure that Railways have to focus more on the quality systems. To ensure quality and safe journey to rail passengers, he said that Indian Railways, now encouraging such coach maintenance depots, railway stations and workshops to go for IMS (Integrated Management Systems) Certification, that will cover the Quality Management (ISO:9001), Environment Management (ISO 14001) and Occupational Health Manager (OHSAS-ISO:18001). Such steps would go a long way in regaining the good will of the passengers on railways, which is most important he asserted.  He also congratulated Sri R. Saravanan, Sr. Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Salem Division, and his team of officers and staff for such an  important step.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, said that for the past six months the Mechanical Branch of Salem Division was working towards implementation of Quality Systems for getting ISO:9001 certification and said that now further steps would be taken by both Erode and Coimbatore Depots to go for the remaining 2 certificates of IMS, viz. ISO:14001 and ISO:18001. He added that the Diesel Locomotive Shed (DLS) at Erode, which is involved in maintenance of Diesel Locos, is one of the oldest sheds in India, and is completing 50 years of service to the Nation this year. He said that when the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the DLS starts, the IMS Certificate for DLS would also be received. The inspection is being done by both internal and external auditors and as such strict compliance to the set standards need to be  maintained, he said.

Later, while addressing the media persons, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, stated that all the stations in Salem Division would be made disabled friendly in consultation with NGOs involved in the service of differently abled persons. He also said that steps are being taken to obtain IMS certification for Coimbatore Railway Station to better the passenger service. He added that all shops/vending units in Railway Stations have been instructed to display the name of the contractor, his contact number, the designation of the officer in charge of that particular station and his/her contact number, in both Tamil and English with a view to have passenger feedback and correction mechanism. In addition, all the Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian Refreshment Rooms (VRR/NVRR stalls) in all the Stations of the Salem Division have been instructed to use eco-friendly serving plates made of arecanut leaves, which are cheap and bio-degradable, in place of the present stainless steel/plastic plates. This will be a pilot project for all stations in Indian Railways, he felt. On agitations by passengers on water shortage in trains, Sri Verma replied that since the Cauvery river had dried up, there is a difficulty in getting water for Erode station and steps have already been taken to fill water in trains on both ends at Salem and Coimbatore. The works for installation of lifts and escalators at Erode junction is being taken up and would be completed shortly, DRM explained.

Later, during his visit to Sangagiri Railway Station, as part of the Sewa Diwas (Service Day) of Rail Hamsafar Saptaah (Passenger Facilitation Week) being observed all over Indian Railways, Sri Hari Shankar Verma interacted with the passengers of Train No. 12678 – Ernakulam Banagluru Intercity Express. The passengers in the coach for differently abled persons complained to him that normal persons also enter into the coach earmarked for them and occupy their seat. On DRM’s instructions, the normal passengers found to be travelling in that coach were removed and moved to general compartment. Then, a few passengers at the Sangagiri station, demanded that pure drinking water facilities and seats/additional shelters in Platform No.2 need to be provided in view of the hot summer. Sri Verma assured them that in association with the Corporates in the area, an RO plant would be installed in the station and issued instructions to the section engineer to put up a proposal for installation of additional shelters and seats in Platform No.2.

Salem Division officials check the pantry cars in trains, eateries & stalls in stations on Satkar Diwas (Caring Day) of the Rail Hamsafar Saptaah (Customer Facilitation Week)

 Expiry date of the milk pocket is being checked by Sri Viju Vin

 The cleanliness of the vessels is being checked

 Unauthorised vendor is being checked 

 Interaction with passengers 

Kitchen of a food stall is being checked at Karur

 Expiry date on the pocket is being checked by Sri Venkata Subramanian, ACM

Checking of a stall at Mettupalayam  by Sri G. Janarthanan, DPO

On the second day of the Rail Hamsafar Saptaah (Customer Facilitation Week), which is being observed as Satkaar Diwas (Caring Day) all over Indian Railways, the officials of the Salem Division, Southern Railway, including Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, Sri Ma. Vignavelu, Sr. Divisional Engineer-Co-ordination, Sri Viju Vin, Divisional Commercial Manager/Co-ordination, Sri G. Janarthanan, Divisional Personnel Officer, and other officers, carried out intensive inspection of catering units, water and other vending stalls at stations and trains and also checked for unauthorised vendors.

Checks were carried out by the officials in Train Nos. 12677-Bangaluru-Ernakulam Intercity Express, 15905-Kanyakumari-Dibrugarh Vivek Express, 12680-Coimbatore-Chennai Central Intercity Express, 17229-Trivandrum-Hyderabad Sabari Express, 16340-Nagercoil Mumbai CST Express,  12084-Coimbatore Mayiladuthurai Jan Shatabdi Express, 12516-Guwahati Trivandrum Express, 12244-Coimbatore Chennai Central Shatabdi Express, 13351-Dhanbad Alapuzha Express, 12676-Coimbatore Chennai Central Kovai Express & 16339-Mumbai CST Nagercoil Express.

During the checks, it was found that cleanliness was need to be improved; weighing scales were not available, price list was not displayed, vendors were not carrying the menu card, meals were supplied à la carte and excess amount was being collected from the passengers, standard meals were not supplied, unapproved food was found to be supplied to the passengers, 250ml water glasses were not supplied with standard meals. The contractors were warned and fined in all the cases. Vendors were also advised to display their ID cards while serving the train passengers.

Passengers were interacted and they were given guidance by the Salem Division officials regarding availability of Railway Assistance Toll Free Nos. 138 (for complaints), 139 (for enquiries) and 182 (for security related complaints) for redressal of grievances, help and safety. Passengers were also advised to demand menu cards before buying eatables from the approved vendors approved.    Totally out of about 100 passengers personally contacted, in Train No. 15905-Kanyakumari-Dibrugarh Vivek Express, one complaint was received about non-supply of standard meals and action was taken on the spot, by fining the contractor for the same.   Overall, passengers expressed their happiness about such checks and hoped that these would improve the overall quality of the train food.                                                   

Cleaning activities at the Salem Junction today (26.05.2016) on the Swachchta Diwas (Cleanliness Day) of Rail Hamsafar (Customer Facilitation) Week

 DRM inspecting the proposed parking lot and pick and drop point in front of Salem Junction 

 DRM inspecting the Platform No.5

 DRM interacting with the passengers in the AC Waiting Hall

 DRM inspecting the Retiring Rooms at Salem Junction Sri Ma Vignavelu (3rd from left), Sri Murugesan, Station Manager (5th from left), Sri Prabhakaran, Sr. Divisional Elec Engineer (next to him) 

DRM inspecting the kitchen area of the NVRR 

As per the directives of the Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Sri Suresh Prabhu, the first day of the Rail Hamsafar (Customer Facilitation) Week was observed as Swachchta Diwas (Cleanliness Day) all over the Salem Division, today (26.05.2016).

In Salem Junction, Officers, staff, Scouts, Guides, members of NGOs and other voluntary organizations participated in the Cleanliness Campaign under the guidance of Sri Ma. Vignavelu, Sr. Divisional Engineer, Co-ordination. They carried out the cleaning of the concourse area, platforms, foot over bridge, rail coaches, waiting halls, etc.,

Sri Hari Shankar Varma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, visited Salem Junction and inspected the cleanliness therein and also interacted with the passengers about the cleanliness. Passengers expressed satisfaction over the  cleanliness in Salem Junction, but wanted the trains arriving and departing from Salem Junction may also be attended to. For this, Sri Hari Shankar Varma replied that the trains are at present being attending at Erode Junction, which is a Clean Train Station, where 20 minutes time is allotted for cleaning the coaches of the long distance trains.

While inspecting the cleaning works, Sri Varma, found that the cleaning staff were dumping the cleaned garbage on the tracks. He instructed that separate collection  buckets should be used to collect the garbage and dispose them off in the places designated by the local body. On inspection of the Airconditioned waiting hall in Salem Junction, DRM interacted with some of the passengers waiting therein. As a few of them told DRM that the space is a bit insufficient to accommodate more passengers during hot noon, he instructed Sri Viju Vin, Divisional Commercial Manager, Salem, to examine the possibility of expanding the AC Waiting Hall, duly annexing the next room, providing airconditioners therein.

While inspecting the concourse area in front of the Salem Junction, where the new drop and pick path is being created, DRM instructed that the path way may  be made a little wider to accommodate 2 cars at a time, to avoid congestion. Further, he inspected the 5^th Platform of Salem Junction, which is being planned to be widened.

During his inspection, Sri Varma found that some cleaning materials were dumped in a corner of 3^rd Platform and instructed the Chief Health Inspector, Salem Junction, to immediately move them to a store, thus keeping the platform clean and without any hindrance.

Later, Sri Hari Shankar Varma, inspected the Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Refreshment Rooms (VRR & NVRR) in Salem Junction and enquired about the quality of the food supplied therein. The passengers expressed their satisfaction on the quality and cleanliness therein. One of the passengers informed Sri Varma that he had taken the food on his arrival at Salem yesterday and today on his departure as well, and said that he preferred the Railway Catering Stall over the eateries outside. DRM instructed the Canteen contractors to consider the possibility of using more eco-friendly and disposable plates such as Arecanut leaf plates for supply of food to the rail passengers, which are bio-degradable. 

Week long Customer Facilitation Week or "Rail Hamsafar Saptah" from 26th May to 1st June 2016 by Salem Division, Southern Railway

Theme Based Programs for the Rail Hamsafar Saptah or Customer Facilitation Week

As the Central Govt under the able leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji is completing 2 successful years in office, Indian Railways is conducting a week long programs starting from 26th May to 1st June 2016, as Customer Facilitation Week under the title "Rail Hamsafar Saptah". During this week, various activities will be carried put by all the Zonal Railways and Divisions. 

The weeklong events would include special drives on Cleanliness, Inspection on  Punctuality, Catering and  Ticket Checking,  Passenger and Freight customer Interaction,  Appraisal of Press and Media on various achievements of Railways.

Sri Hari Shankar Varma, DRM, Salem, along with the Officers and Staff of Salem Division, will be participating in various programs as planned during the Rail Hamsafar Saptaah.  Each day is focused on different activities related to Passenger/Customer service as well as Staff Welfare.

The theme of Celebrations is as follows:

1)    Day One on  26.05.16 - Swachchta Diwas-(Cleanliness Day) cleanliness drive at all stations and trains – monitored by  nominated officers involving  - Railway staff, Scouts & Guides, NGOs and voluntary organisations.

2)    Day Two on 27.05.16 - Satkaar Diwas (Caring Day) –Intensive inspection of catering units,water vending at stations and trains.

3)    Day Three on 28.05.16  - Sewa Diwas ((Service Day) -  Monitoring of trains, interaction with passengers -  experience concerns from travelers point of view.   Review of public grievance .

4)    Day Four  on 29.05.16 - Satarkata Diwas  (Vigilance  Day)  – Punctuality of trains monitored by  focused – all trains- Intensive Ticket Checking - Commercial, RPF, GRP and other department staff nominated.

5)    Day Five on 30.05.16 - Saamanjasya  Diwas  (Harmony Day) -  Railway colony visit, cleanliness with staff associations, 1000 tress planting Employee and family to participate in sports/games. employee grievance redressal.

6)    Day Six on 31.05.16 - Sanyojan Diwas (Co-ordination Day) - meeting freight customers, redressal of concern. Briefing   reforms  policies  marketing initiatives  canvassing traffic.

7)    Day Seven on 01.06.16 -  Sanchaar Diwas (Communication Day) :    Review of activities under taken and meeting  Press  and Media .

Salem Division, Southern Railway, steps up vigil in trains with a view to check the crimes during summer rush

RPF and RPSF personnel carrying out a survey of a train

With a view to check the occurrence of various crimes in trains such as robbery, theft, drugging of passengers, Ministry of Railways is taking various steps, including carrying out awareness programs, stepping up vigil in trains, particularly during night hours, etc.,  As a part of these activities, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, in consultation with Sri S.C. Parhi, Chief Security Commissioner, Southern Railway, has got additional strength of one company of Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) deployed for escorting trains vulnerable to such crimes. The company will be working under the control of Sri P. Raajmohan, Divisional Security Commissioner, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Salem Division.

About 90 RPSF personnel (including Officers) have now been  stationed at Podanur and Erode and are being deployed from 3 stations such as Salem, Erode and Coimbatore for train escorting duties, in about 31 night trains passing through Salem Division, in 3 sections viz. Jolarpet-Salem-Coimbatore, Erode-Karur and Salem-Namakkal-Karur Sections.  Of the three sections, Jolarpet-Salem section has been identified as crime prone section, because, 11 cases have been reported in this section out of the total 41 cases involving property worth of Rs 24,40,500/- till April 2016. So,  the escort personnel have been directed to clear unauthorized persons and other antisocial elements from trains, with a view to prevent crimes like chain snatching, theft of passengers’ belongings,  misbehavior with lady passengers and other crimes.

Apart from the RPSF & RPF personnel, the CPDS team (Crime Prevention and Detection Squad) of  RPF stationed at Salem, Erode and Coimbatore have also been deployed in the vulnerable trains during night hours and to have additional surveillance in the railway premises.  All out efforts are being taken by the RPSF and RPF team to prevent the crimes against the rail passengers by keeping watch over the activities of suspected and unauthorized persons and remove them from the trains to ensure the train passengers travel without fear. 

Sri. Hari Shankar Varma, DRM, Salem, requested the passengers to co-operate with Railway Administration, to eliminate crimes in trains,  by not wearing or carrying valuable ornaments during train journeys, and avoid travelling in doorways/windows during night journeys. He also stated that the passengers can contact the patrolling party or any RPF/RPSF/GRP personnel available in the train for any security related assistance. They can also call the toll-free Railway Security Help Line No.182 in case of any emergency such as thefts/crimes in trains and also on noticing any suspected persons in trains, round the clock, so that help will reach them instantly, he added. 

Change in the operations of trains that pass through Salem Division on 27.05.2016 (Friday)

Due to track doubling works between Tamaraipadi and Dindigul stations of Madurai Division, the following changes are made in the operations of trains that pass through Salem Division, on 27.05.2016 (Friday):

1. T.No.56826/56825 Tirunelveli-Erode-Tirunelveli passenger Trains to be partially cancelled between Madurai and Erode.

2. T.No 16340 Nagercoil-Mumbai CST Exp to be delayed at MDU for 45 minutes from 12.05 to 12.50 hrs.

3. T.No 56320 Coimbatore Nagercoil Passenger to be delayed at Eriyodu for 34mts from 12.56 to 13.30hrs.

For kind information. 

Summer Special trains between Kochuveli and Krishnarajpuram, via via Erode and Coimbatore & between Krishnarajapuram – Nagercoil via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore

 

To clear extra rush of traffic during Summer, the following Special trains will be run between Kochuveli and Krishnarajpuram, via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore, as under:

T.No.00611 Kochuveli – Krishnarajapuram S/F Suvidha Spl Trains via Erode  and Coimbatore:

Composition             :  

1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 12 Non A/C Sleeper, 3 General Second Class & 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans = 21 coaches

Days of service:    From Kochuveli : 10.4.16 to 26.6.16 (Sundays) = 12 services

Detailed timings:

Stations	↓	T.No.00611 Kochuveli- Krishnarajapuram (Bangaluru) S/F Suvidha Spl. Train
Kochuveli	(d)	(Sun) 18.35
Kollam	(a/d)	19.23/19.25
Kottayam	(a/d)	21.08/21.10
Ernakulam Town	(a/d)	22.10/22.15
Thrisur	(a/d)	23.27/23.30
Palghat	(a/d)	00.48/00.50
COIMBATORE	(A/D)	02.03/02.05
ERODE	(A/D)	03.20/03.25
Krishnarajapuram	(a)	(Mon) 08.00

  

T.No.06011 Krishnarajapuram – Nagercoil Special Fare Specials, via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore:

Composition:  

1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 12 Non A/C Sleeper, 3 General Second Class & 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans = 21 coaches

Days of service :   

From Krishnarajapuram (Bangaluru) : 11.4.16 to 27.6.16 (Mondays) = 12 services.

Stations	↓	T.No.06011 Krishnarajapuram (Bangaluru) -Nagercoil Spl.
Krishnarajapuram	(d)	(Mon) 11.10
SALEM	(a/d)	14.45/14.50
ERODE	(a/d)	15.45/16.05
TIRUPPUR	(a/d)	16.48/16.50
COIMBATORE	(a/d)	17.40/17.45
Palghat	(a/d)	18.55/19.00
Thrisur	(a/d)	20.20/20.25
Aluva	(a/d)	21.13/21.15
Ernakulam Town	(a/d)	21.35/21.45
Kottayam	(a/d)	23.00/23.05
Tiruvalla	(a/d)	23.33/23.35
Chengannur	(a/d)	23.43/23.45
Kayankulam	(a/d)	(Tue) 00.08/00.10
Kollam	(a/d)	00.45/00.50
Trivandrum	(a/d)	02.15/02.25
Neyyantinkara	(a/d)	02.43/02.45
Kullithurai	(a/d)	03.08/03.10
Erniel	(a/d)	03.23/03.25
Nagercoil	(a)	(Tue) 04.15

The bookings for the above trains are now open.