More amenities and trains demanded by the members during the 16th Divisional Rail Users’ Consultative Meeting held at Salem Division, today (21.06.2016)

 Sri Hari Shankar Verma lighting the traditional kuthuvilaku before the DRUCC Meeting

 The Meeting in progress

 The members are interacting 

 Sri Hari Shankar Verma addressing the DRUCC Members, right to him is Sri Viju Vin, DCM

Section of officers who attended the DRUCC Meeting

 

 

In the 16^th Divisional Rail Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) Meeting held under the chairmanship of Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, members from Salem, Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur, Hosur and Karur, participated and put forth various demands and suggestions for consideration.

Mettupalayam

For a question by Sri P. Rajendran, for revamping Thudiyalur and Periyanaickanpalayam stations in Coimbatore-Mettupalayam Sections, DRM replied that the works for development of these stations have already been taken up and once the new stations buildings are in place, all the required facilities will be provided.  He also requested him and other members from Mettupalayam to interact with the State Govt agencies, to help railways in removing the encroachments in Mettupalayam Station, to enable taking up the platform extension works.

Coimbatore

For questions from Sri C. Balasubramanian, regarding introduction of overnight train between Coimbatore and Bangalore, DRM clarified that already requests have been sent to the competent authority seeking this new service and said that he is expecting a positive reply in this regard. On upgrading Peelamedu Railway station as a model station, DRM said that estimates have already been drawn and he requested the members to help railways to mobilize funds for such developments with assistance from Corporates under Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) scheme. On upgrading Coimbatore North Railway Station, as a terminal junction for trains such as Cheran Express, it was clarified that unless the Goods Shed is shifted from there to Irugur station, not much development can be taken up there. He solicited help from members to mobilize public opinion in favour of shifting the goods shed to Irugur, which is met with resistance by some sections. On a question for improving Coimbatore junction with facilities for differently abled persons, DRM clarified that already an audit has been taken up with the assistance of an NGO and shortly Coimbatore junction will be made differently abled passenger-friendly. On introduction of Battery Car, he said plans are under way and discussions are undergoing with some sponsors.

Tirupur

On a request from Sri J.V.Sureshkumar, for introducing battery car services for senior citizens and differently abled passengers, DRM clarified that it needs sponsors, and that while some companies have come up for sponsoring the Battery Operated Car, they are not willing to arrange drivers, which is mandatory. He suggested that many corporate under social service organizations such as Rotary Club can come forward to bear the Driver salary and other allied expenses, on a rotational basis, as is being done elsewhere. He also assured him that the request for airconditioned dormitory rooms will be considered positively. He said that as requested more trees would be planted in Tirupur junction premises, which work is already being done in phases.

When Sri RKKM Sabapathi mentioned that ticket checking need to be tightened up in the Coimbatore Mayiladuthurai Jan Shatabdi Express, DRM assured this would be done. When the demand was made for stopping of express trains at Tirupur for 5 minutes to enable loading of parcels, DRM replied that already 8 minutes have been ordered to be stopped in Tiruppur for 5 minutes and more trains would be considered.

Erode

For the request from Sri N. Sivanesan, on battery operated cars in Erode, DRM said that he can help Salem Division, by getting sponsors for the car and drivers as suggested already. For a request from him to provide mobile charging points in the unreserved coaches also, DRM assured that in all the trains originating from Salem Division, this will be fitted immediately. On demand for new line between Perundurai Railway Station/Ingur to the SIPCOT Industrial Estate, Perudurai, DRM said that he is yet to receive a reply for the letter sent from Salem Division, to the SIPCOT officials, so far. He said the works for provision of lifts and escalators have started in Erode junction and are in progress. On the complaint by him that the TTEs behaving rudely with the Season Ticket Holders boarding in the reserved coaches of the trains in which unreserved coaches not available, DRM said that instructions have already been issued to treat the passengers courteously and action will be taken against those who violate the same. However, he requested him to educate the Season Ticket Holders not to board the reserved coaches of trains causing nuisance to the reserved passengers.

On the request by Sri C.S.Gowthaman, DRM replied that the replacement of damaged seats in Kovai Chennai Intercity Express/Kovai Express and replacement of damaged sanitaryware/fittings in Yercaud Express would be immediately taken up.  On extension of Salem-Vridhachalam Passenger up to Erode, DRM clarified that since only one rake is available for service in the section and due to paucity of time, this cannot be taken up at present.

Salem

On the question from Sri M. Durairaj, regarding introduction of day time express from Salem to Chennai, DRM said that a proposal has already been sent in this regard, and is being followed up. On a request by him to permit sale of Amma Water Bottles from the State Govt in Railway Stations, DRM replied that this being a policy matter, has to be decided by Railway Board only. 

When Sri A. Jayaseelan, sought stoppage of Salem-Chennai Egmore Express at Salem Market Station and improvement of facilities therein, DRM asked him to submit a request so that it will be considered. When he pointed out that the coaches are not being stopped according to the coach indication board, putting elderly passengers to trouble, DRM assured that the same would be immediately looked into and set right.

When Sri P. Athianna, pointed out that the wheel chairs are not available for passengers at night, DRM assured him that it will be ensured that wheel chairs are available round the clock. When he put forth a request for home delivery of ID cards for differently abled persons for availing concessions, DRM said that since there are possibility of the ID cards reaching wrong persons, leading to misuse, steps would be taken to issue the ID cards at pre-designated places such as the Differently Abled Persons Associations or in  a place outside the Divisional Office on designated days. He also assured cleanliness would be ensured in the coaches earmarked for differently abled persons in trains.

When a demand was made by members to improve facilities at Omalur, by stopping more trains at Omalur and provision of a PRS therein, DRM said that depending upon the passenger traffic, it would be considered.

Namakkal

When Smt Tamilarasi Yogam demanded provision of proper approach road to Namakkal station and also said that the passengers booked tickets in Palani Chennai Express find it difficult to board the trains because all the coaches were locked from inside, DRM assured instructions would be issued in this regard to the TTEs and road would be provided.

Karur

When Sri V.N. Mohan pointed out that the differently abled/senior citizens find it difficult to climb the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) to reach other platforms, DRM explained that installation of lifts in Karur Junction has been proposed and will be taken up shortly. When Sri Mohan pointed out that the timings of Palani Chennai Express at Karuru are inconveniencing women passengers and sought the same to be changed, DRM clarified that this train timings are fixed based on the availability of platform at Chennai Central and hence only Chennai Division can take a decision on the same.

On a request by a member on shifting one of 3 Automated Ticket Vending Machines which are in front of the station, DRM ordered to shift one machine to the other side of the station to help passengers. When one member pointed out that due to sunlight reflection the display boards in front of the station are not visible, DRM ordered shifting of them to the other side, to make them visible.

Later while addressing the members, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, thanked the members for their valuable participation in the development of railways by way of fruitful suggestions. He said that the cleanliness of toilets and bed rolls in the Cheran Express and the Kongu express found wanting and the contracts have been terminated. New contracts would be in place shortly, he said. On overcharging by vendors in stations, Sri Verma said that during a recent meeting with the catering contractors, he has fixed the deadline for correcting such practices as July 10^th, beyond which, if such incidents noticed, the licences would be cancelled and stalls would be closed. He requested the members to bring such instances immediately to the notice of the Commercial Branch officials.   

Sri Hari Shankar Verma also requested the DRUCC members, including members nominated by the Hon'ble Members of Parliament, to liaise with the Members of Parliament in their respective areas, for release of funds from their Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for various railway projects in Salem Division, such as construction of approach road to stations, circulating areas, etc., for which Ministry of Statistics & Program implementation have provided approval. Members were also given a list of railway works that can be undertaken under the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Scheme (indicating separately such projects that were already undertaken in Salem Division) and were requested to help mobilise funds for such projects in association with the Corporates in their respective areas. 

Earlier, Sri Viju Vin, Divisional Commercial Manager/Co-ordination welcomed the members and officers. Sri R.S. Sinha, ADRM, listed out the developments taking place in Salem Division, such as Janani Sewa Baby Food Stalls, Foot Over Bridge in Buddireddipatti, Airconditioned Passenger Waiting Hall at Salem Junction, etc., At the end, Sri E. Harikrishna, Sr. Divisional Operations Manager, rendered the vote of thanks.  

Ministry of Railways changes rules for travel to help differently abled (Divyang) passengers

At present, the concession for train travel by the Divyang (differently abled) passengers are given only when they are accompanied by an escort. With a view to help them, the Ministry of Railways have decided to permit booking of concessional tickets for Divyang (differently abled) passengers, even when they are not accompanied by an escort. However, there will be no change in the eligibility criteria for availing the concession, which are in force now. This has come into effect from today (15.06.2016), that will save the Divyang (differently abled) passengers the compulsion of buying tickets for the escort also.

Temporary Stoppage of Trains at Melnariyappanur for express Trains on 12.06.2016 to 14.06.2016

In view of St. Antony’s Church Festival, from 11.06.2016 to 14.06.2016, the following trains are provided with temporary stoppage of one minute duration at Melnariyappanur railway station (in Salem – Vriddhachalam section) as explained below.

Sl. No.	Train	Train leaving Chennai Egmore / Salem	Timings at Melnariyappanur railway station
1.	Train No.11063 Chennai Egmore – Salem Express	Train leaving Chennai Egmore on 12th & 13thJune, 2016	04.07 / 04.08 hrs.
2.	Train No.11064 Salem – Chennai Egmore Express	Train leaving Salem on 13th & 14th June, 2016	22.27 / 22.28 hrs.

All unmanned level crossings in Salem Division will be eliminated by 2018 & Zero Accidents in Level Crossings in Salem Division during 2016-17 – DRM/Salem during Press Meet

DRM Press Meet

 International Level Crossing Awareness Day

an unmanned Level Crossing

Sri Ma Vignavel, SrDEN/Co (1st left) Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM (2nd from left), Sri R.S.Sinha (1st right-partially hidden)\

During a Press Meet held today (10.06.2016) in Salem Division Office today, on the eve of the International Level Crossing Awareness Day, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, stated that all the unmanned level crossings in Salem Division, amounting to  72, will be completely eliminated by the year 2017-18, by manning, providing Limited Use Subway (LUS) or Road Over Bridges (ROBs).  Of these 53 will be taken up during the current fiscal and the balance 19 in 2017-18, he added. He further stated that funds are not constraint on this front, being safety related, and Rs.6 crores have been provided so far in the current year for the works. If more funds come forth, the works ear marked for next year would also be taken up in the current year itself, he said.

DRM stated that for 15 LCs the pre-fabricated concrete boxes are already in place and works are going on. For closure of 20 unmanned LCs in Salem-Vridhachalam section and Salem-Dindigul Section, letters have been sent to the respective District Collectors seeking permission. He added that there were no accidents/incidents in any of the unmanned LCs in Salem Division during the year 2015-16, thanks to the regular awareness campaigns taken up by the Safety Branch of Salem Division.  

Later, while answering to questions from the media persons, Sri Hari Shankar Verma stated that in the NIlgiri Mountain Railway section, crossing of elephants regularly has become a challenge and stated that Railways are working with Forest Department to reduce such trespasses, without causing any harm to the pachyderms. For a question on traffic congestion in front of Salem Junction, Sri Verma stated that he had discussed the issue with Hon’ble Mayor of Salem and has requested the Salem Corporation consider widening of the road and would send a letter in this regard to the Corporation authorities. On extension of passenger trains up to Salem Town, DRM stated that at present it could not be considered for want of proper passenger amenities in Salem Town Station. Regarding the demand for an intercity express between Salem-Chennai and Coimbatore-Bangaluru, DRM stated that a proposal has already been mooted for the same and it will be discussed in the ensuing Time Table Committee meeting.

On overcharging by vendors in the stations and trains, Sri Verma clarified that he had recently called for a meeting of all the concerned and he had given clear instructions against overcharging. If any overcharging incident is proved, first there will be a warning, followed by fine and finally steps will be taken to cancel the licence and close the outlet, if found to be repeating the same. To curb the unauthorized vendor menace, the licencees will be permitted to utilize more  number of vendors, he added. Strict vigil is maintained against adulteration of food and if any incidence is proved, he said that the Railway Administration will consider initiating legal measures to get the adulterator arrested, apart from fining and cancellation of licence.

Sri R.S. Sinha, Addl. DRM, Sri Ma.Vignavelu, Sr. Divisional Engineer/Coordination and Sri A.Rajkumar, Sr. Divisional Safety Officer, were present during the Press Meet. 

Janani Sewa – baby food corners launched in 4 major stations of Salem Division, Southern Railway

 Janani Sewa - Baby Food Care Corner in Railway Stations  

Janani Sewa corner in VRR of Erode Junction

 A mother buying baby food from Janani Sewa corner in Coimbatore Junction 

Sri Viju Vin, Divisional Commercial Manager/Co-ordination, Salem, seen handing over a baby food product to a mother at Salem Junction

A baby seen trying his hand on the baby food from the Janani Sewa Stall in Karur Junction 

With a view to help mothers traveling in trains to take care of their toddlers, Indian Railways have come up with a novel idea of setting up separate baby food corners in every major railway station. This is a follow up step after a mother sent a Tweet to Hon’ble Minister for Railways Sri Suresh Prabhu, seeking help to provide milk to her baby while she was travelling in train. Hon’ble Railway Minister had promised in his during presentation of Railway Budget in February 2016 that steps would be taken to make the baby food including milk available in stations.

Now, the facility has been extended by Ministry of Railways in major railway stations as a pilot project. In Salem Division, Southern Railway, 4 such Janani Sewa stalls have been launched today (09.06.2016) in Salem, Coimbatore, Erode and Karur railway stations, on a pilot basis. These Janani Sewa stalls have been situated within the Vegetarian Refreshment Rooms (VRRs) and will provide baby foods such as Cerelac, Lactogen, apart from Milk, feeding bottles and hot water. 

In future, for children aged between 5 to 12 years, snacks such as burgers, etc. would also be added, depending upon the demand.

Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, stated that such steps have been initiated to help the rail passengers, make their journeys a memorable one and more such passenger friendly initiatives are on the anvil. 

Environment Awareness Campaign undertaken, trees planted and railway staff counseled in Salem Division, Southern Railway, during the World Environment Day, today (05.06.2016)

 Poster on World Environment Day

 Sri Verma seen discussing with officers before the campaign

 Sri Verma during the awareness campaign

 DRM watching planting of a tree sapling in the railway colony

 Sri Verma assisting a colony resident couple to plant a tree

Sri Verma is distributing the awareness pamphlet to a railway staff and his family members 

The World Environment Day was observed today (05.06.2016) at the Salem Division, Southern Railway. During the day, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, lead a campaign in the Railway Colonies in Salem, meeting the colony residents, for creating awareness on the causes for Global Warming and the necessity for saving energy. Pamphlets were distributed  to the railway employees, residing in the railway colony, carrying  awareness slogans on not using incandescent bulbs, using of CFL/LED lamps for lower consumption of energy, planting more trees, maintain  them, not to throw garbage on streets/drainages, maintain the colony premises neat and clean, etc. In the awareness campaign, Sri R.S. Sinha, Addl. Divl. Railway Manager, Sri Ma.Vignavelu, Sr. Divl. Engineer/Coordination, Sri Viju Vin, Divl Commercial Manager/Coordinatio, Sri P. Kamban, Sr Divisional Finance Manager, Sri E.Harikrishnan, Sr. Divl. Operating Manager, and others participated along with Sri.Verma.

While Sri Verma was interacting with the colony residents, some of them complained about the smoke/foul smell emanating from the nearby cremation ground that is health hazardous. DRM immediately issued orders to raise the compound wall on that side and plant tall plantations such as bamboo trees, to reduce the risk. He also assured them that a letter will be addressed to the Salem Corporation officials, requesting  them to consider the possibilities of shifting  the same away from the residential area.

70  trees were also planted in the East Railway Colony by the colony residents in the presence of Sri Verma. He encouraged every one of the colony residents to plant a few plants/trees in their individual residences, including medicinal/herbal plants.

Later, while interacting with the media persons, Sri Hari Shankar Verma told that Indian Railways is taking all steps to reduce its carbon footing, improve the railway premises including stations by keeping them clean, abolish use of plastics in railway premises by replacing them with disposable eco-friendly bio-degradable materials, etc. He also expressed his satisfaction that Salem Division staff are more focused towards these goals. 

Airconditioned Waiting Hall at Salem Junction inaugurated by Hon’ble MP, Salem, today (01.06.2016) on the final day of the Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Customer Facilitation Week) that was observed as Sanchar Diwas (Communication Day)

 Sri V. Pannerselvam, Hon'ble MP inaugurating the AC Waiting Hall

 Hon'ble MP discussing with DRM

 Hon'ble Salem MP inspecting the works for installation of escalators at Salem Junction 

DRM addressing the media persons

 Sri Raju, senior most employee of Buddireddypatti Rly Stn inaugurating the new FOB, to his right (2nd from left) is Sri Ma Vignavelu, Sr.Dvil. Engineer/Coordination

 The new FOB

 Sri S. Selvakumara Chinnayan, Hon'ble Erode MP discussing with DRM in his chambers

Airconditioned Waiting Hall at Salem Junction inaugurated by Hon’ble MP, Salem, today (01.06.2016) on the final day of the Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Customer Facilitation Week) that was observed as Sanchar Diwas (Communication Day)

On the 7^th and  final day of the Rail Hamsafar Saptah (Customer Facilitation Week) that was observed as Sanchar Diwas (Communication Day), the  Airconditioned Waiting Hall at Salem Junction in Platform Nos. 3/4 was inaugurated by Sri V. Pannerselvam, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Salem, today (01.06.2016), in the presence of Sri S.Soundappan, Hon’ble Mayor, Salem Municipal Corporation, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, and other dignitaries.

The pay and use AC Waiting Hall for passengers has been upgraded from the existing non-AC Waiting Hall, and has 36 seats. The contract for the AC Waiting Hall has been awarded at a cost of Rs.10.5 lakhs for a period of 3 years to M/s. AJP Groups, Madurai. The AC Waiting Hall would function 24x7 on all 365 days of the year. The charges for usage of the AC waiting hall would be Rs.15/- per hour per head. On an estimate, about 100 to 150 passengers are expected to use the facility. Toilet and bathing facilities have been provided therein.

After inauguration of the function, Hon’ble MP, Sri Pannerselvam, inspected the Escalator works that are under installation in Platform No.1 and Platform Nos.3 / 4 of the Salem Junction. He also discussed various issues concerning railways in Salem with DRM and assured all help that is needed from him.

Later, while interacting with the media persons, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, said that the AC waiting hall would be very helpful for the rail passengers at Salem Junction, which is a connecting centre point. The contractor will provide water, coffee, tea and other snacks on demand to passengers. He said that the cleanliness in Salem Division Railway Stations are being monitored strictly, in the catering units, eatable vending places and other food stalls. He said that it has been planned to extend the present AC Waiting Hall duly annexing the nearby space available, to accommodate more passengers.

He said that the present main entrance to Salem Junction has become congested due to heavy vehicular parking and traffic and hence, it has been decided to go for a second entry on the other side of the station, which is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months’ time. On demands for a day time intercity express between Salem and Chennai, Sri Verma said that Hon’ble Salem MP has already taken up the matter with the Hon’ble Minister for Railways, which is pending for want of new rake. The matter will be pursued vigorously at the appropriate level to get a new train that will early in the morning from Salem and will return back by night.

On a query for increasing the Nilgiri Mountain Rail services between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, Sri Hari Shankar Verma replied that due to tough hill terrain, operation of additional services is not feasible. When asked about the extension of passenger train services from and to Salem from/to other places such as Jolarpet, Coimabtore and Erode, Sri Vema replied that the main challenge is lack of coach maintenance facilities at Salem, for which land is required and nearby Salem Junction the railway land available is very limited. However, he added that this will be looked into.

On WiFi facilities in Salem Division, DRM said that already works are going on for providing free WiFi by Rail Tel in collaboration with Google India and as far as Salem junction is concerned, efforts will be taken to provide paid WiFi facilities in the AC Waiting Hall as at present there is no proposal to make the free WiFi available in Salem.

Today, the Foot Over Bridge newly constructed in the Buddireddypatti Railway Station of Salem Station was inaugurated by one oldest serving employee of the station by name Sri Raju, Pointsman, in the presence of Sri Ma. Vignavelu, Sr. Divisional Engineer/Coordination, and Sri Mariappan, Divisional Engineer, Salem. The FOB constructed at a cost of Rs.1.05 crores connecting Platform Nos. 1 and 2 would help the rail passengers reach the other platform without taking the risk of crossing the platform.

Later, Sri S. Selvakumara Chinnaiyan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Erode, called on DRM Sri Hari Shankar Verma, and discussed about the various issues concerned with the railway stations in Erode area, including stopping of express trains at Kodumudi, reviving the Erode-Palani Rail link project, improving rain water draining facilities at Erode Junction, provision of lifts and escalators, at Erode. DRM assured him that by middle of June, he will visit Erode junction for a joint inspection of Erode junction and issue orders for immediate steps required.