Kolkata:
The 76th Republic Day was celebrated at South Eastern Railway’s Headquarters, Garden Reach with great enthusiasm on 26.01.2025. Shri Anil Kumar Mishra, General Manager, South Eastern Railway unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the ceremonial parade presented by the contingents of Railway Protection Force (RPF), Civil Defence, St John Ambulance and South Eastern Railway Bharat Scouts & Guides.
Highlighting the achievements of SER in recent times, General Manager said that South Eastern Railway, popularly known as the Blue Chip Railway, is among the top three highest freight loading zones of Indian Railways. During the period from April to December 2024, SER achieved a commendable loading of 157 million tonnes of freight which is about 2% higher than the corresponding period of previous year. General Manager added that in order to increase operational capacity, 49.3 km of doubling/3rd line work has been completed so far this year.
General Manager stated that with a view to provide more amenities to the passengers, 57 lifts and 32 escalators have been commissioned at various stations so far. These apart, raising of height at 27 platforms, increase in length of 28 platforms have been completed and 99 bays platform shelters have been provided at 37 stations. During the current financial year, 1039 special trains have been run to clear the extra rush of the passengers.
Safety of passengers is of paramount importance and as a major step towards free from level crossing, SER has completed the construction work of 5 Road Over Bridges and 11 Subways in current financial year. Moreover, 15 level crossings have been eliminated upto December, 2024.
Presently 10 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains are running. He added that 72 stations of SER are being developed under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and 190 stalls have been made operational at different stations of South Eastern Railway under “One Station One Product” scheme.
Mentioning the special efforts of RPF, General Manager stated that “Operation Nanhe Farishtey” campaign being operational. RPF personnel of South Eastern Railway in “Operation Jeevan Raksha”, saved the precious lives of 17 male and 30 female passengers by risking their own lives. He also stated that South Eastern Railway is conducting an intensive 100-day campaign under the TB elimination program launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Nikshay awareness camps are being organized regularly.
A cultural programme on patriotic theme was organised on the occasion. The programme was presented by the SER Headquarters Cultural Team and members of SER Bharat Scouts and Guides. Independence Day was also celebrated at the Divisional Offices at Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.
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