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Southern Railway Chief Oversees Infrastructure Projects in Two-Day Visit

The latest update on Ms Jaya Varma’s two-day visit to Southern Railways evaluating a few ongoing railway redevelopment projects TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS Embarking on a two-day visit to Southern Railway, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO of Railway Board, is overseeing a thorough evaluation of ongoing infrastructure and station redevelopment projects. On February 20, 2024, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha commenced her visit in Madurai, engaging in a specialised window trailing inspection via a special train from Madurai to Mandapam. Accompanying her were key figures such as Shri Alok Kumar Mishra, Executive Director (Mechanical, Transportation), Railway Board, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway, Shri Amit Kumar Manuwal, Chief Administrative Officer, Construction Organisation, Chennai Egmore, Shri N. Sreekumar, Principal Chief Operating Manager, Shri Desh Ratan Gupta, Principal Chief Engineer, along with other officers and staff of Southern Railway. Inspection of Pamban Bridge & Dhanushkodi: The Railway Board Chairperson & CEO inspected the upcoming Pamban Bridge structure and held a brief meeting with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) officials and held discussions on the status of the new bridge construction works. Shri Pradeep Gaur, Chairman and Managing Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, New Delhi, Shri.B.N.Singh, Principal Executive Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, New Delhi and Shri B.Kamalakara Reddy, Chief Project Manager, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Chennai participated in the review meeting. The Chairperson & CEO emphasised safety and sustainability in bridge construction which is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Following this, the inspection of Dhanushkodi was done with focus on the scope of Rameswaram – Dhanushkodi New line project. Inspection of Rameswaram & Madurai Station Redevelopment works: Later, the Chairperson conducted inspection of Rameswaram station redevelopment works and offered suggestions for improvement. On arrival at Madurai, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha conducted a comprehensive review of Madurai Junction redevelopment works and exhorted the officials for time bound completion of the project. ░

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A Look Inside Southern Railway’s 68th Railway Week: Awards & Recognition

A sneak peek into the recently concluded 68th Railway Week Celebrations of Southern Railways TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS Inaugurating the 68th Railway Week Celebrations of Southern Railway, the prestigious ‘Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2023’ Award distribution ceremony took place at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Arangam, ICF, Chennai on the 9th of February 2024. At the event, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, served as the Chief Guest and presented Shields to various Divisions/Departments/Workshops. Additionally, individual Awards were bestowed upon officers and staff in recognition of their exceptional performance. In his address, Shri R.N. Singh extended congratulations to the awardees, acknowledging their substantial contributions to the growth and efficiency of Railways. He praised the divisions and workshops for their commendable performance and emphasised Southern Railway’s achievements as a frontrunner in project commissioning, infrastructure enhancement, sectional speed increment, modern coach introduction, and overall improvement in passenger amenities and onboard services. A three-minute video showcasing Southern Railway’s achievements during the 2022-23 period was presented during the ceremony. Shri Kaushal Kishore, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway, Shri Harikrishnan, Principal Chief Personnel Officer, other Principal Heads of Departments, Divisional Railway Managers, and Officers and Staff of Southern Railway actively participated in the function. The event also featured a cultural program, including classical dances and music performed by staff and their wards. Efficiency Shields and Individual Awards were distributed, with Chennai Division securing the General Manager’s Inter Divisional Overall Efficiency Shield, and Tiruchchirappalli Division clinching the Runners-up Shield. A total of 38 Efficiency Shields were awarded for outstanding performance in various railway working areas, while 17 Officers and 82 staff members were honoured with ‘Individual Awards’ for their meritorious contributions. General Manager’s Speech at the 68th Railway Week Celebrations – Vishist Rail Sewa Puraskar Award Dear Colleague officers, Supervisors and staff, Representatives of recognized Trade Union & Associations, Ladies & Gentlemen, I feel really happy and elated to be amongst you on this happy occasion of 68th Railway Week celebrations. As you all know, on 16th April in the year 1853, the first train ran in the Indian Subcontinent, signifying the birth of great Indian Railways, and we celebrate this event in a grand manner every year to mark the occasion. First of all, I congratulate all the awardees here, who have been chosen for making significant contributions to the growth and efficiency of the Railway in its efforts to serve the public. I also congratulate the divisions who have bagged various shields based on their performance. However, it does not mean that those who are not getting awards are any less. I congratulate all our hardworking & dedicated employees, without whose hard work & dedication, Railway could not have performed so well. I am happy to inform that during the year 2022-23 and 2023-24 (upto Jan.), Southern Railway has done very well in the area of commissioning of projects, upgrading the infrastructure, increasing the sectional speed, Introduction of new trains, augmenting coaches, Introduction of modern coaches, Increasing platform length, Improving passenger amenities and onboard services throughout the Southern Railway. These measures have helped us enhance our image in the minds of the public. All our achievements could be possible only due to the hard work and dedication of all our officers, supervisors and staff. Also these achievements would not have been possible without the whole hearted support of our Recognised Union and Associations. On this momentous occasion, I express my sincere thanks to all officers, supervisors, staff of Southern Railway and, I am sure that Southern Railway shall scale even greater heights of excellence in the years to come. Once again, I congratulate one and all and wish all the very best to all our employees for future endeavours and growth. Thank you.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert

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#25 Railway Heritage Walks: Unveiling Hidden Gems and Forgotten Routes (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Pinterest  Discovering Railway History on Heritage Walks India’s railway network has a rich history and heritage waiting to be explored. Railway-themed heritage walks are uncovering this legacy through guided tours of hidden gems, old stations, and tunnels. These walks spotlight unique facts and stories to appreciate the railways’ contributions. Hidden Histories  Do you know Mumbai’s iconic Victoria Terminus station was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens? Shockingly, the UNESCO World Heritage Site borrows Gothic, Hindu, and Islamic architectural styles. Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge uses 26,500 tonnes of steel trusses fabricated in England. These fascinating nuggets of history and engineering trivia are highlighted on railway heritage walks.    Not only that, many walks even traverse forgotten tunnels and routes to highlight railway expansion. The old Yamuna Bridge connecting Delhi and Lahore is a must-see on the Delhi Walk. Experiencing Heritage  Heritage walks are guided by experts who share insider stories and lesser-known facts. You get to discover the vision behind stations, bridges, and workshops on these curated trails. It’s amazing to identify old locomotives, signaling systems, meters, and coaches that built our rail network: spot colonial markers, boundary walls, and milestones along the trail.  You’ll also appreciate how railway lines align with local history. The Chennai Egmore Museum walk shows this beautifully.  Preserving Knowledge For railway enthusiasts, heritage walks are windows into the unique engineering, architectural, and social facets that shaped rail history. They build awareness so that heritage sites are valued and preserved. Many walks even support station restoration to retain our rail heritage.  Whether you’re a train lover or a history buff, railway heritage walks uncover a new side to India’s train journey. Source-

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#24 Railway Photography: Capturing The Timeless Beauty of Steam Trains (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Pinterest  Capturing the Romance of Steam Trains  Do you remember those iconic images of billowing steam locomotives chugging across bridges and mountains? Vintage railway photography beautifully captures the nostalgia and old-world charm of heritage trains in India. These artful photos transport us back to the golden age of steam railways. Beginnings Railway photography gained popularity in India when trains were first introduced in the 1850s. Photographers documented historic events like the arrival of the first trains in cities across India.  Do you know one of the earliest railway photographs is of the 1854 Mumbai-Thane train inauguration? Shockingly, it was clicked by an unknown Indian photographer, not a British studio. By the late 1800s, publishers like Johnston & Hoffmann commissioned stunning images of trains winding through landscapes. Indians too became avid railway photographers. Artistry and Nostalgia Vintage rail images showcase both the artistic composition and the train’s aesthetics. Dramatic angles, lighting, and black and white tones accentuated the locomotive’s old-world allure. Billowing clouds of steam, intricate engine details, and the scale of bridges created a powerful sense of drama and romance in rail travel.  You’ll be amazed at how iconic these nostalgic images have become as symbols of adventure and progress. Pop Culture Connect Rail photography also popularised trains in Indian pop culture. Iconic calendar art and Bollywood song sequences were shot at heritage rail sites. Remember the evergreen song ‘Rail Gadi Mein Jhoom Barabar‘ with scenes of a classic steam train? Such images kindled the public’s fascination with railways. Captured for posterity, vintage railway photography immortalized the irresistible magic and power of iron horses that popularised train travel in India. Today, vintage rail images are a window into the grand railway heritage of India. They showcase ingenious engineering and design that make train travel aspirational. More importantly, they highlight the romance, excitement, and joy of exploring India’s diverse landscapes by rail. These images continue to inspire us each time we embark on our train journeys across India. As platforms for nostalgia, history, and artistry, vintage railway photographs beautifully freeze the timeless appeal of trains in India.  Source

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#23 Railway Ghost Stories & Urban Legends (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Flickr Spine-Chilling Tales from Across India Traveling across India by train, one can’t miss the many spine-tingling stories of railway ghost sightings and paranormal activities. Several stations and trains have chilling urban legends behind them. Read on for some spooky railway ghost stories from around India. The Vanishing Lady in White The beautiful Peshawar Express is haunted by a lady in white who mysteriously vanishes from the train on full moon nights! Do you know sightings have been reported near Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh?  Shockingly, many claim the white lady asks for lifts from strangers before disappearing into thin air. Legend says she is the ghost of a lady killed on her wedding night on that train many years ago. The Dancing Little Girl The deserted Burdwan station in West Bengal always wears a deserted look. But over the years, passengers have reported sighting a young girl in a frock dancing playfully on platform no. 3 in the night. You’ll be amazed to know that cleaners have even found tiny footprints near the platform in the morning. Locals believe the girl fell off a moving train years ago and now haunts the platform. Spooky. The Headless Passenger In hushed tones, passengers talk of a headless man aboard the Mumbai-Goa passenger train, especially during the monsoons. Not only that, people have apparently also witnessed a headless figure walking towards the toilet at night. Urban legend says the ghost is of a man who lost his head when he stuck it out of the door foolishly. Definitely sends chills down one’s spine. Tales of restless spirits, mysterious apparitions, and ghostly sightings have become part of railway folklore across India. Traveling at night, keep an eye out for paranormal activities on the tracks. Source

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#22 The Fairy Queen: The Oldest Operational Steam Locomotive In Asia (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Wikipedia  Fairy Queen: Asia’s Oldest Working Steam Locomotive The famous Fairy Queen locomotive holds the record for being the world’s oldest operational steam engine! This national treasure was built in 1855 and runs heritage tours on India’s railways. Steeped in history, the Fairy Queen gives us a glimpse into the romantic era of steam trains in India.  Made in Britain Do you know the Fairy Queen was built by Kitson, Thompson, and Hewitson in Leeds, Britain, way back in 1855? She was shipped to Kolkata and assembled at the historic Howrah Locomotive Works. Shockingly, this tiny loco weighed only 12 tonnes but had immense pulling power. She was put into service hauling mail trains between Howrah and Raniganj in West Bengal. Not only that, she set a speed record in India by sprinting at an unheard of speed of 43 mph during trials. No wonder she was christened the ‘Fairy Queen’. Retirement and Revival By 1900, the Fairy Queen was retired from regular service as newer engines arrived. She languished for decades in a railway shed before being discovered and restored.  In 1997, after extensive renovation, the 142-year old Fairy Queen returned to the tracks! This made her the world’s oldest working steam locomotive.  You’ll be amazed to know she was declared a National Treasure in 2002. The Guinness Book of World Records also certified her as the oldest operational engine. Legacy Railway Tours Today, the Fairy Queen operates heritage railway tours between Delhi, Cantt, and Alwar. Tourists can ride this vintage beauty and relive the grandeur of 19th century train travel. With her gleaming green livery, polished woodwork, and steam whistles, she transports you back in time. Passengers are served high tea on fine china as the Queen chugs along. At 165 years old now, she reminds us of the rich history of Indian Railways. The sprightly Fairy Queen is cherished as the doyenne of our locomotive fleet and the reigning queen of steam engines in Asia. Source

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#21 Uncovering Lost Stations: Exploring Abandoned Sites and Their Stories (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: India Rail Info Ghost Stations: Exploring India’s Lost and Abandoned Rail Sites  India’s vast railway network is dotted with forgotten stations that once bustled with activity. As routes changed over the decades, many stations were abandoned and left to decay into eerie ruins. These ‘ghost stations’ have intriguing stories to uncover for the intrepid explorer. Stations Lost in Time Do you know there are over 200 lost and abandoned stations on India’s railway network? Shockingly, thriving junctions like Brindavan in Bengal and Clutterbuckganj in Madhya Pradesh were simply deserted years ago. Not only that, but an extension of railway lines also left stations like Padapokhari in Bihar cut off from the main network and forgotten. Their isolated ruins stand testimony to changing track routes. You’ll be amazed to find crumbling platforms covered in moss, overgrown tracks, and abandoned station buildings, now only inhabited by bats. It’s like time frozen from the colonial era. Whispers from the Past  Each ghost station has its own intriguing backstory. Take Kayamkulam station in Kerala, abandoned in the 1960s. Local lore says a railway worker haunts the rundown platform at night. Some relic stations were used as shelters by freedom fighters. Batesar, in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly hides a forgotten underground room linked to the 1857 mutiny. Such tales give a sense of mystery to these silent sentinels from our rail history. They seem to whisper forgotten secrets from the past. Preserving Rail Heritage Many now call for the conservation of our lost railway heritage. Stations like Begunkodor in Bengal are being revived through local efforts. Some old lines may also reopen for tourism.  Ghost stations can become portals into history if preserved in small museums or galleries. Visiting them is a haunting reminder of the labor that built our mighty rail network. Though crumbling, India’s lost stations are pieces of our rail history to be treasured. Who knows what stories lie buried on these silent platforms? Source

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#20 Accidents & Disasters: Learning From the Past for Safety Improvements! (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Reuters Tragedy and Lessons for Advancement India’s vast railway network dates back over 150 years. Inevitably, there have been accidents and disasters that have cost lives and revealed crucial safety gaps. While tragic, analyzing past rail accidents has also led to critical reforms that improved safety. Learning from these events has made train travel safer for all. Early Perils  Do you know one of the first major rail disasters in India happened in 1861 near Mathura? Shockingly, 14 passengers died when a train derailed while crossing the Yamuna River.  In the 1900s, derailments and collisions became frequent as train usage rose. Passenger deaths from falls were also high, as coaches lacked safety handles and doors.  You’ll be amazed to know that over 40,000 people died in train accidents between 1950 and 2000 before safety regulations improved. Deadly gaps include unmanned crossings, a lack of communication between drivers, and inadequate coach design. Coaches made of wooden planks were major fire hazards. Implementing Safety Reforms  Findings from inquiry committees led to crucial reforms over the decades. Train speed limits were imposed. Coaches were redesigned with metal and emergency exits were added. Not only that, interlocking signals, gate automation, and strict maintenance protocols also emerged. Disaster response teams were set up to provide medical aid quickly. These measures have reduced accidents significantly. The railways keep striving to make travel safe using the latest technology. Remembering Tragedy  We cannot forget the many lives lost in rail disasters that revealed safety issues. Memorials at sites like Bihar’s Gaisal train accident serve as grim reminders.  While advancements continue, passengers also need to stay alert and follow safety protocols during the journey. Only then can tragedy be avoided. The railways’ safety record has improved thanks to lessons from history. Our goal remains – accident-free operations where passenger lives are valued above all else. Source

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#19 Partition’s Impact: Challenges & The Role of Railways in Rebuilding (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Kashmir Life The Partition and Railways, Forging Ahead After Division The partition of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947 was one of the most tumultuous events in history. As the nation divided, the railways faced massive disruptions and damage. But they also played a crucial role in helping both new nations recover and rebuild after partition. Upheaval and Chaos Partition triggered one of the largest mass migrations ever. Over 14 million people were displaced as Hindus and Sikhs fled to India, and Muslims to Pakistan. This led to terrible violence and the loss of lives and property.  Overcrowded trains full of refugees became moving targets, often attacked by mobs. Railway tracks were dismantled or damaged too. You’ll be shocked to know that by 1949, railway infrastructure suffered losses of ₹80 crore! Thousands of miles of track, hundreds of locomotives, carriages, bridges, and signals were affected.  Not only that, crucial rail links between the two new countries were permanently severed. Operational systems fell into disarray. Many skilled railway workers also migrated away. Coming Together to Heal In this environment, running the railways again seemed impossible. But it was urgently needed to restore normalcy and connect divided families.  India and Pakistan worked quickly to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure. Engineers, technicians, and workers volunteered around the clock. Tracks were relaid, trains repaired, and routes reopened within months in many areas. Within a year, India had managed to re-link disconnected parts in the Punjab and Northwest. Pakistan restored the vital Lahore-Karachi line. Cooperation and the sharing of resources between the two nations also helped restart operations. Aid came from international agencies, too. However, the speedy railway recovery was mostly due to dedicated staff and citizens willing to set aside differences. The railway became a symbol of unity and hope. Strengthening New Nations The partition had fractured India’s extensive rail network built by the British. Through enormous efforts, it was now reconfigured to serve independent geo-political realities.  In India, freight and passenger movement was redirected to align with the new western and eastern borders. Railway headquarters shifted from Lahore to Delhi as the capital changed. Pakistan similarly relocated its hub from Mumbai to Lahore. Rail links between the two countries were limited to only 4 main routes. This reinforced national identities but reduced economic cooperation. Aid for Refugees & Recovery  The railways played a big role in managing the refugee crisis in both nations. Trains transported and housed millions displaced by violence and migration. Rail infrastructure and transport services also aided post-war rehabilitation. Resources could be mobilized quickly to provide relief and restore essential services.  The partition and independence of India, and Pakistan created huge upheaval and challenges. However, the shared colonial rail legacy also bonded both nations in overcoming difficulties. Despite divisions, the railways proved unifying healing forces in incredibly trying times. They exemplified cooperation and resilience as India and Pakistan forged new futures. Source

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#18 Railways & The Freedom Movement: Transportation of People & Ideas (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: MyNation Railways and India’s Freedom Struggle, Connecting People and Ideas The railways played a huge role in India’s freedom struggle against British rule. Trains connected different parts of the country and allowed ideas, people, and resources to flow in new ways. This improved communication and helped the independence movement grow strong. Here are some key ways the railways impacted India’s fight for freedom: Opening Up India Before trains, most Indians did not travel very far. The railways changed this by connecting distant parts of the country. For the first time, people could easily go long distances to work, visit relatives, or go on pilgrimage. This helped create a sense of national unity.  It is so fascinating to know that by 1900, the British had built over 36,000 km of railway lines connecting major cities and towns across India. Spreading Ideas The railways enabled leaders and activists to take their messages to wider audiences across India. For example, Mahatma Gandhi traveled by train during the non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements to give inspiring speeches. Books, newspapers, and pamphlets also circulated more freely on the trains, spreading nationalist ideas. You’ll be shocked to know trains were so important for spreading information that the British put restrictions on “seditious material” being transported. Connecting with the Masses The railways brought many ordinary Indians into the freedom struggle. When Mahatma Gandhi called for nationwide hartals (strikes) or boycotts, people could now travel by train to participate. Movements like Khilafat, Non-Cooperation, and Quit India gained strength from the ability to mobilize masses of people.  Not only that, militant nationalists also used trains to carry out acts of resistance and violence against the British. For example, revolutionaries bombed trains and railway stations as a strategy to weaken British rule.  Fueling Economic Growth The railways stimulated business and trade across British India. Goods like cotton, jute, coal and manganese could be transported in bulk over large distances. This boosted the economy but also enriched colonial coffers. Nationalists thus saw the railways as a resource to be harnessed for swaraj (self-rule).  The Railways Became a Symbol  For many, the railways represented the might of the British empire. By the early 1900s, British officials were proud of the extensive railway network they had built across India.  However, Indians increasingly saw it as a national asset that belonged to the people. As the freedom movement grew, nationalists called for the railways to be transferred to Indian control. The railways had become a symbol of the nation they wished to liberate! The railways transformed India in the colonial era. They opened up the country, connected people, spread ideas, aided resistance, and fueled economic change. While enabling British control, the railways also became tools for national awakening and liberation. They remain an enduring legacy of India’s freedom struggle. Source- 

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