Railway – Lifeline of nation counts its 2 years’ – 2014-16 achievements

Railway – Lifeline of nation counts its 2 years’ – 2014-16 achievements

Ferozepur, July 19, 2016: Indian Railways is often called the lifeline of the nation. It not only transports passengers and goods, but it also connects the entire nation into a common thread. Almost all Indians are directly or indirectly connected to the Indian Railways. Indian Railways directly provides jobs to over 13 lakh employees and it also provides a means of living to many more lakh people in this country.

Giving information about the major achievements in the last two years 2014-16, Anuj Parkash, Divisional Rail Manager, Ferozepur Division said, for helpline, three numbers have been started – 182 All India Security helpline to seek emergency help during travel, 138 – All India Passenger Help Line and e-catering facility at 100 stations and 139 destination alert and wakeup alarm service.

Another major achievement, he stated was free public wi-fi system launched at 26 stations.

During two years, 60 lifts and 150 escalators have bee been provided, he added.

Further to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers, ‘VIKALP’ Alternative Train Accommodation System(ATAS) has been launched by the railways.

To maintain security during traveling, escorting ladies special trains and ladies compartment by security squads have been ensured besides fitment of CCTV surveillance cameras for women security initiated  in Amritsar-New Delhi Delhi-Shan-e-Punjab Express.

Talking about the speed, DRM said, Gatimaan Express the country’s first semi high speed train launched with a maximum speed of 160 kmph between Delhi and Agra.

He also shared that during 2015-16, Indian railways commissioned 2828 KMs of Broad Gauge lines, besides electrifying of 3105 KMs route during 2014-16.

There had been number of accidents at the unmanned level crossings and to put a complete check over such incidents, in 2015-16, a total of 1253 level crossings were eliminated and 1024 Road-over/Road-under bridges were constructed, he added.

To maintain the hygienic conditions in the rail compartments, railway has provided 27,000 bio-toilets in trains in the last two years in addition to starting of “Clean My Coach” Service launched for any cleaning requirement in the coach by sending SMS on mobile number 58888.