62nd Railway Week Celebrations at Salem Division, Southern Railway

 The dignitaries on dais: (from left to right) Dr. Narasimhan, CMS, Sri Chandrapal, ADRM, Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, Smt Anita Verma, President, SRWWO, Smt Chandrapal, Smt Sugirtha Nandalal, Secretary, SRWWO

 Sri Hari Shankar Verma addresses the gathering

 Sri Hari Shankar Verma (2^nd from right) and Sri Chandrapal (2^nd from left) give away Shield  to Operting Branch for Tiruppur Section as Best Safe Section. Sri Gopal, Divl. Operating Manager, (first from left) is receiving the same

 Sri Hari Shankar Verma (2^nd from right) and Sri Chandrapal (2^nd from left) give away Shield  to Engineering Branch for Salem Section as Best Maintained Engineering Section. Sri Perumal Nandalal, SrDivl. Engineer/Coordination, (first from left) is receiving the same

The 62^nd Railway Week Celebrations were held today (21.04.2017) in the Salem Division of Southern Railway, at the Divisional Office premises. The Railway Week is being celebrated all over Indian Railways to commemorate the first train services in India, before 164 years, in 1853.  

In the function, 14 shields were awarded for various Railway Stations and Branches in Salem Division, for the best maintenance, safest section, etc. Coimbatore Junction received the Shield for the Best Maintained Major Station and Pukkiravari was adjudged as the Best Maintained Minor Station. Sri L.Chinnaraj, Station Manager, Coimbatore, and Sri Rajasekar, Station Master, Pukkiravari, received the Shields from Sri Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem. In addition, Sri Verma also presented Merit Certificates, Medals and Cash Awards to 402 Salem Division employees including 20 officers, in the presence of  Sri Chandrapal, ADRM, Salem, Smt Anita Verma, President, Southern Railway Women's Welfare Organization, Salem Division.

With a view to help the women and child passengers in distress and to reach them immediately to provide assistance, a Smartphone was presented to the RPF Security Helpline 182 by Smt Anita Verma, President, SRWWO, and the same was received by Sri P.Raaj Mohan, Divl. Security Commissioner and Smt. R. Sudha, Women Constable.

During the function, representatives from the freight customers of Salem Division,viz. India Cements Ltd, Chettinad Cements Ltd., Jindal Steels  JSW Ltd., Steel Authority of India Salem Steel Plant Ltd. and Srinivasa Roadways, were felicitated by Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, by shawls.  

While addressing the gathering, Shri Hari Shankar Verma expressed his happiness over the improved performance of Salem Division, during the Fiscal Year 2016-17, and said that the Gross Earning of Salem Division has gone up by 4.9% from Rs.607 crores in 2015-16 to Rs.635.7 crores. He said that the passenger earnings have seen a hike of 7.14% to Rs.511.23 crores compared to Rs.477.18 crores during 2015-16. He added that the Ticket Checking earnings have seen a mammoth rise of 24.55% i.e. from Rs.4.97 crores to Rs.6.18 crores; catering earnings increased by 12.72% from Rs. 2.79 crores to Rs.3.14, he said.

He further said that various passenger facilities such as Wifi facilities at Coimbatore, Ooty and Coonoor, AC Waiting Halls at Salem, Tirupur and Coimbatore, Escalators at Salem, All Women Facilitation Centre at Coimbatore, Baby Food Stalls called Janani Sewa Stalls at Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Karur, Mettupalaym, Coonoor and Ooty, Mother Milk Feeding Corners at Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode and Salem, have been put in place. In addition, he said that Point of Sale (Credit/Debit Card Swipe) machines have been introduced in all major and Minor stations, such as Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Tirupur, Coimbatore North, Salem Town, Karur, Sangagiri, Kodumudi, Pugalur, Uthukkuli, etc. to enable purchase of tickets in the advance booking counters without cash. The novel idea of We Care booth was introduced as a single point assistance centre at Salem and Train Captains have been appointed in trains such as Blue Mountain Train, etc., to assist the on board passengers. WiFi facility would be extended to Salem Junction before end of this financial year, he added. 

Sri Verma said that Salem Division has earned the distinction of responding to passenger/rail user complaints very fast i.e. within 12 minutes among all the Divisions of Southern Railway which has been appreciated by the Ministry of Railways.

As part of Green Initiatives, Salem Division, has developed a Solar Powered Coach for the Coimbatore-Mayavaram Jan Shatabdi Express which is now on trials, he said.  

On Staff Welfare front, he said that on 28.12.2016 and 29.12.2016, Salem Division officials conducted a marathon non-stop grievance redressal meeting called PNM (Permanent Negotiation Machinery) with the office bearers of the recognized Labour Union viz. SRMU and 659 subjects were taken up for discussion, and 583 cases were resolved to the satisfaction of the staff side, he said.

He congratulated all the award winners and said that due to the efficient functioning of Engineering, Commercial and Stores Branches, Salem Division bagged Engineering Efficiency Shield, Customer Care Shield and Best Maintained Depot Stores Shield in the Southern Railway.  

Officers and staff attended the function in huge numbers, along with their family members. Cultural programs by the staff of Salem Division entertained the audience. Earlier, Sri Chandrapal, ADRM, welcomed the gathering and in the end                            

Sri S.Thirumurugan, Divisional Personnel officer, proposed the vote of thanks. 

Poor patronage for the Salem-Namakkal-Karur Special Passenger Trains

Acceding to the demands of the travelling public in the Salem-Namakkal-Karur section, the following special passenger trains are being operated on Sundays and on daily basis:

T.No.06739-Sundays-Salem-Karur-Dep.06.00 hrs-Arr.08.10 hrs.

T.No.06740-Sundays-Karur-Salem-Dep.08.30 hrs-Arr.10.30 hrs.

T.No.06743-Daily-Salem-Karur-Dep.11.30 hrs-Arr.13.30 hrs.

T.No.06744-Daily-Karur-Salem -Dep.14.40 hrs-Arr.16.40 hrs.

However, it has been observed that the patronage for the above special trains are found to be very poor and the average occupancy is between 13 to 21% only. This can be seen below:

Train No.	Salem-Karur Passenger Specials				Karur Salem Passenger specials
	06743 (Daily)		06739 (Sunday)		06744 (Daily)		06740 (Sunday)
Month	No of Pass	Earnings	No of Pass	Earnings	No of Pass	Earnings	No of Pass	Earnings
Jan- 17	3834	72305	567	10775	3920	75975	362	12250
Feb- 17	3153	59710	515	9750	3200	61145	310	10085
Mar - 17	3400	64250	505	10252	3575	68800	345	11120
Total	10387	196265	1587	30777	10695	205920	1017	33455
Avg. Per day	115	2181	122	2367	119	2288	78	2573
Utilization % of  580 seats	20%		21%		20%		13%

 (Rake consist is 6 GS and 1 SLRD)

The passenger specials may be continued as passenger amenity only if there is sufficient demand and patronage. Withdrawing these specials would mean that there will be no service on Sundays and on weekdays during the above timings, and only the two pairs of regular passenger trains will be run in morning and evening and there will be no service  in the afternoon. Though these special trains are in operation since 16.09.2015, the patronage for these trains on overage, is found to be very less.

Hence, the Salem Division administration requests the passengers to make use of the above special trains and assist Railways in continued operation of these trains. In case of continued poor patronage, Railways will have no other option but to withdraw the above special train services.   

Salem Division listens to suggestions and representations from the Railway Users’ Representatives during the 18th DRUCC Meeting

 DRM is lighting the traditional lamp before the start of the meeting

 Mr. Balasubramanian seen lighting the lamp

During the proceedings of the meeting

Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) is one of the interactive mechanisms Indian Railways is employing to get the feedback from the rail users on its services.  The Salem DRUCC is used to meet every quarter of the year, under the Chairmanship of the DRM, to discuss various issues including demands from the rail users and the steps taken by Salem Division, based on such requests.

The 18^th DRUCC Meeting was held today (17.04.2017) in the Salem Division Office Meeting Hall with 22 members from various places of Salem Division such as Metupalayam, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem and Karur. Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, chaired the meeting and answered various queries from members.

On a question from Sri P. Rajendran, member from Mettupalayam,  regarding completion of station building construction at Thudiyalur, DRM said that June 2017 has been fixed as deadline for completion of works and after completion of construction, Station will be put into full use. When Sri Rajendran asked about connecting Mettupalayam, by trains through the new Podanur- Pollachi BG Line, DRM informed that totally, 11 trains have been proposed in the said route, including a new train from Mettupalayam to Madurai. He further said that out of the 11 trains proposed, 4 trains were trains that were running in the MG line before conversion in the route. Further, DRM clarified that with a view to develop Mettupalayam as a tourist centre, en route to Coonoor and Ooty, the works for increasing the platform length of platform is going on, that awaits clearance from  by Commissioner for Railway Safety.

On a query from Sri C. Balasubramanian, from Coimbatore, on Multi Level Parking facility, DRM clarified that for the earlier tender, there was no response and steps have been taken to float the tender again. On the complaint from him as to the overcharging by the parking contractor, DRM explained that last year 18 complaints were received and the contractor was penalized and his contract was cancelled. Now, a temporary contract is in place and as on date, there were no complaints received, he added. He assured that steps will be taken to display parking rates in all prominent locations of Parking area.

When Sri J.V. Sureshkumar, from Tirupur, requested for stoppage of  all trains more than 5 minutes to load parcels, DRM clarified that already many trains have been given stoppage up to 5 minutes and additional time would infringe the punctuality of trains. When the member requested for stoppage of more trains that pass through, at Tirupur, such as 12659 Nagercoil Shalimar Gurudev Express, 12698 Trivandrum Chennai Express, etc. DRM assured that steps will be taken towards the same.

On request from Sri C.S. Gowthaman, Erode, for provision of a passenger general waiting hall in Platform No.3/4, DRM explained that the waiting hall facility at subway is capable of accommodating the passengers. When he requested stoppage of trains such as Chennai Coimbatore Intercity Express, Yercaud Express, etc., at Cauvery Railway Station, DRM, explained that the distance between these 2 stations is too short to accept such a demand.

When Dr. Athiyanna, representing the Differently Abled Passengers’ Association, Salem,  requested for enabling online reservation facilities for booking tickets availing concession in all classes, since the differently abled persons are forced to visit Railway Station for ticket booking, DRM explained that it was mandatory to check the concession documents in person by the Reservation Clerk, it is not viable to accept this demand.

When members pointed out the increase in the number of crimes in trains in Salem-Jolarpet Section, DRM said that he had discussed the matter with GRP officials and they have agreed to post a DSP level officer at Salem, to tackle this menace.

For demands from other members, such as introduction of new train services, policy matters, etc., DRM explained that these fall under the purview of Railway Board and can be taken up with the Ministry of Railways through Hon’ble Members of Parliament.

Salem Division bags honors for best performance in Engineering, Commercial and Stores branches during the Railway Week Celebrations

  

 Sri Hari Shankar Verma (1^st from left), and Sri Perumal Nandalal (2^nd from left) receiving the Engineering Efficiency Shield from Sri Vashishta Johri (2^nd from right), while Sri P.K. Mishra, Addl. General Manager, Southern Railway, (1^st from right) and Sri N. Swaminathan, Chief Personnel Officer, Southern Railway  (in the middle), look on.

Sri Hari Shankar Verma (1^st from left), and Sri Vijuvin (4^th from left) receiving the Passenger Amenities Shield from Sri Vashishta Johri (2^nd from right), while Sri P.K. Mishra, Addl. General Manager, Southern Railway, (1^st from right) and Sri N. Swaminathan, Chief Personnel Officer, Southern Railway  (3^rd from right), look on.

Sri G. Sundararao (1^st from left), receiving the Best Kept Depot (Minor) Shield from Sri Vashishta Johri (2^nd from right), while Sri P.K. Mishra, Addl. General Manager, Southern Railway, (1^st from right), Sri R.S.Sinha, Chief Material Manager, Southern Railway(3^rd from left) and Sri N. Swaminathan, Chief Personnel Officer, Southern Railway  (in the middle), look on.

 Sri Vijuvin (with garland) welcomed by Officers and staff in Salem Junction

 Sri Perumal Nandalal (with Shield) welcomed by Officers and staff in Salem Junction

Sri Vijuvin and Sri Perumal Nandalal displaying the shields in the Salem Junction, along with officers and staff.

Every year, during the Railway Week Celebrations at Southern Railway Zonal Headquarters, the best performing Divisions are recognized for their excellent work in various fields of activities, such as Engineering, Commercial, Personnel, etc.

In the year 2016-17, Salem Division has excelled in 3 important areas of activities such as Engineering, Commercial and Stores branches and has bagged the Shields for Engineering Efficiency, Best Passenger Amenities, and Stores Minor Depot at Erode.

In the Railway Week function held at Chennai yesterday (12.04.2017), Sri Vashishta Johri, General Manager, Southern Railway, gave away the above shields to Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, Salem. Sri Perumal Nandalal, Sr.Divisional Engineer/Co-ordination (in charge of Engineering Branch), Sri Vijuvin, Sr Divisional Commercial Manager (in charge of Commercial Branch), and Sri G. Sundararao, Asst. Material Manager (in charge of Stores Branch), accompanied DRM, while receiving the Shields from GM.

The officers who arrived at Salem Junction this morning by train, were given a rousing welcome by the Staff and Officers of Salem Division. They were garlanded and were taken in a procession up to Division Office, carrying the shields.

Sri Hari Shankar Verma, DRM, expressed his happiness over performance of all Branches of Salem Division, and wished them for many more achievements in the coming days. 

Summer Special Trains via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore

To cater to meet the summer rush, Southern Railway is operating the following Summer Special trains:

T.No. 06055/06056 Chennai Central–Madgaon-Chennai Central Weekly Special fare Special Trains via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore

Special fare special train from Chennai Central to Madgaon

Day & Dates of Service:

From Chennai Central on Tuesdays  – from 04.04.2017 to 06.06.2017 = 10 Services.

From Madgaon on Wednesdays –from 05.04.2017 to 07.06.2017 = 10 Services.

Composition:  AC 3-tier – 1, Sleeper Class – 9, General Second Class – 6 & Luggage-cum-brake van - 2 coaches.

Stoppages:  Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, SALEM, ERODE, TIRUPPUR, COIMBATORE, Palakkad, Shoranur, Kozhikkode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Mangalore Jn., Suratkal, Mulki, Udupi, Kundapura, Mookambika Road Byndoor, Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, Kumta, Ankola and Karwar.

T.No.06055	¯	Station	­	T. No.06056
17.30 (Tue)	(d)	Chennai Central	(a)	15.35 (Thu)
--		Perambur	(a/d)	14.43/14.45
18.33/18.35	(a/d)	Arakkonam	(a/d)	13.38/13.40
19.36/19.38	(a/d)	Katpadi	(a/d)	12.38/12.40
20.48/20.50	(a/d)	Jolarpettai	(a/d)	11.28/11.30
22.20/22.23	(a/d)	SALEM	(a/d)	09.50/09.55
23.20/23.25	(a/d)	ERODE	(a/d)	08.50/08.55
00.38/00.40 (Wed)	(a/d)	TIRUPPUR	(a/d)	08.03/08.05
01.32/01.35	(a/d)	COIMBATORE	(a/d)	07.15/07.20
02.47/02.52	(a/d)	Palghat	(a/d)	06.05/06.10
03.25/03.35	(a/d)	Shoranur	(a/d)	05.00/05.20
05.19/05.24	(a/d)	Kozhikkode	(a/d)	03.25/03.30
06.50/07.00	(a/d)	Kannur	(a/d)	01.55/2.00
08.19/08.21	(a/d)	Kasaragod	(a/d)	00.27/00.29 (Thu)
09.40/10.10	(a/d)	Mangalore Jn.	(a/d)	23.35/23.45
11.00/11.02	(a/d)	Suratkal	(a/d)	22.30/22.32
11.14/11.16	(a/d)	Mulki	(a/d)	22.20/22.22
11.50/11.52	(a/d)	Udupi	(a/d)	21.44/21.46
12.18/12.20	(a/d)	Kundapura	(a/d)	21.14/21.16
12.50/12.52	(a/d)	Mookambika Road Byndoor	(a/d)	20.40/20.42
13.04/13.06	(a/d)	Bhatkal	(a/d)	20.18/20.20
13.18/13.20	(a/d)	Murdeshwar	(a/d)	19.56/19.58
13.46/13.48	(a/d)	Kumta	(a/d)	19.18/19.20
14.10/14.12	(a/d)	Ankola	(a/d)	18.40/18.42
15.00/15.02	(a/d)	Karwar	(a/d)	18.08/18.10
(Wed)16.00	(a)	Madagon	(d)	17.15 (Wed)

Advance reservations for the above trains are open now