Southern Railway, the beating heart of transportation in South India, is experiencing a dynamic resurgence. Not just chugging along, it’s steaming ahead with remarkable growth in both freight and passenger segments, painting a vibrant picture of its commitment to progress and service excellence. Text: B. Guganesan, Chief Public Relations Officer, Southern Railways. Passenger Boom: Southern Railway isn’t just about hauling cargo; it’s about people too. As a passenger-centric zone, it has witnessed a remarkable 12.8% increase in passenger traffic over the previous year. From April to December 2023, over 528 million passengers entrusted their journeys to the zone, generating an impressive Rs. 5254.93 crores in originating passenger revenue – a 12.1% jump compared to last year. This upswing in passenger footfall speaks volumes about the trust and reliance people place on Southern Railway for their travel needs. The zone’s unwavering focus on passenger comfort, enhanced amenities, and operational efficiency is resonating with the masses. Beyond the Numbers: These impressive figures are just the tip of the iceberg. Southern Railway’s commitment to progress extends far beyond mere statistics. The zone is actively engaged in infrastructure development, with a keen focus on modernizing stations, upgrading tracks, and adopting cutting-edge technologies. Streamlining operations to ensure punctuality and safety is another key area of focus. Additionally, passenger-centric initiatives like improved onboard facilities, convenient booking systems, and enhanced customer service are constantly being implemented. Freight Frenzy: The first nine months of the current fiscal year (2023-24) have been nothing short of phenomenal for Southern Railway’s freight operations. With a 6% surge compared to the previous year, the zone has muscled past 29.351 million tonnes of originating freight loading, translating to a robust Rs. 2651 crores in originating freight earnings. This impressive feat is fueled by a diverse set of commodities, ranging from workhorses like coal, iron and steel, and fertilizers to the ever-important iron ore, cement, and food grains. Even dynamic sectors like petroleum products and container traffic have contributed significantly to this freight frenzy, showcasing Southern Railway’s capability to cater to a wide spectrum of logistical needs. Looking Ahead: Southern Railway’s impressive performance in both freight and passenger segments is just the beginning of an exciting journey. The zone’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence is likely to propel it further on its growth trajectory. With dedicated efforts towards infrastructure development, operational streamlining, and customer-centric initiatives, Southern Railway is poised to play an even more pivotal role in connecting people, facilitating trade, and driving India’s economic progress. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, Southern Railway is sure to keep chugging towards a thriving future, leaving a trail of satisfied passengers and efficient logistical solutions in its wake.

Latest update on the upgradation of railway stations in Chennai Division Text: A. Elumalai, Public Relations Officer, Chennai Division The Chennai Division of Southern Railway is upgrading 15 stations—Perambur, Tiruvallur, Arakkonam, Tiruttani, Jolarpettai, Gummidipundi, Guduvancheri, Sullurupeta, Chengalpattu, Ambattur, St. Thomas Mount, Guindy, Mambalam, Chennai Park, and Chennai Beach—as part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme’s initial phase, with redevelopment progressing steadily. CHENNAI BEACH – CHENGALPATTU SECTION: The Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu rail section, including Chennai Beach, Chennai Park, St. Thomas Mount, Guindy, Mambalam, Guduvancheri, and Chengalpattu stations, will see upgrades to passenger amenities. The redevelopment of the following stations is underway: A. GUINDY: Improvements to façade of station on east and west sides, provision of entry arches on GST road side. Provision of a new booking office. Provision of pedestrian plaza Resurfacing of flooring of platforms Replacement of old roofing sheets by aluminium colour sheets Redevelopment of Two-wheeler parking area on main entry side Provision of three lifts for the existing FOB, including provision of SS hand railing and replacement of roofing sheets Provision of Passenger Information display system Improved Public Announcement system Provision of CCTVs Cost of works – Rs.13.50 crores B. ST. THOMAS MOUNT: Improvements to the façade of the station on east and west sides, provision of entry arches on the bus stop side. Provision of 3 new booking offices Provision of Pedestrian plaza Resurfacing of flooring of all platforms Provision of additional platform shelters and replacement of roofing sheets Redevelopment of parking area on main entry side, and CMRL side Provision of Passenger Information Display system Improved Public Announcement system Provision of CCTVs Cost of works – Rs. 14.15 Crores C. CHENNAI BEACH: Face-lifting by provision of elegant facades and pedestrian plazas at all the four entry zones of the station. Provision of ATVM at both north and south entries Resurfacing of flooring of all platforms Development of parking space Provision of lift (2 Nos) for the existing FOB Provision of Passenger Information Display system Improved Public Announcement system Provision of CCTVs D. CHENNAI PARK: Provision of new booking office Provision of new canopy at entry with waiting space near booking Office/cafeteria. Resurfacing of flooring of platforms Development of pedestrian walkway towards MRTS stations. Provision of new platform shelters and replacement of old roofing sheets by aluminium colour sheets Provision of lift and escalator for the existing FOB, including provision of SS hand railing. Provision of Passenger Information Display system Improved Public Announcement system Provision of CCTVs E. MAMBALAM: Improvements to the façade of the station on the east and west sides. Provision of new booking office on West Mambalam side and at T.Nagar side Provision of Pedestrian plaza Resurfacing of flooring of platforms Replacement of old roofing sheets by aluminium colour sheets Development of Two-wheeler parking area on west Mambalam side Provision of lift for the existing FOB, including provision of SS hand railing and replacement of roofing sheets. Provision of Passenger Information Display system Improved Public Announcement system Provision of CCTVs F. GUDUVANCHERI: Redeveloping the entrance of the station building with a larger porch. Provision of two elegant entrance arches Extension of the existing 3m FOB from station to the circulating area Resurfacing of flooring of platforms Development of parking space Development of pedestrian pathways Development of circulating areas Provision of lift and escalator for platforms along with the extended FOB Provision of Passenger Information Display system Improved Public Announcement system Provision of CCTVs G. CHENGALPATTU: Construction of a new station building Developing a new entrance and a porch Provision of new concourse, booking counters, and additional three retiring rooms. Modifying the existing station building to provide an AC Waiting hall, VIP lounge, retail, etc. Resurfacing of flooring of platforms Development of parking space Development of pedestrian pathways Development of Circulating area Provision of lift (2 Nos) and escalator for the existing FOB Provision of Passenger Information Display system Improved Public Announcement