Cases of rail theft in SER come down for strict security

Kolkata: The Security Department of South Eastern Railway has strengthened its security vigilance over its jurisdiction. RPF Personnel & Mahila Vahini teams have been working round the clock for the security of the passengers and to prevent crimes at Railway Premises and in running trains.

The theft cases of the passengers’ belongings in running train and from railway premises have come down with the active vigil of Railway Protection Force of South Eastern Railway. During the financial year 2017-18 (up to February), 404 Railway theft cases have been registered as against 520 theft cases during the corresponding period of the previous year which is a drastic reduction of 22.3%.

Similarly, 133 persons have been arrested during the year 2017-18(up to February) by Government Railway Police (GRP) for luggage theft cases. This apart, 8 cases have also been registered and 3 persons have been arrested jointly by RPF& GRP Personnel for drugging during the current financial year.

To curb Child trafficking, SER’s RPF Personnel has rescued 279 Children from all four Divisions of South Eastern Railway during the year 2017 and the majority of them have been handed over to their parents.

Railway plans upgradation of 90 stations showcasing local culture or history

Kolkata: In an attempt to increase passenger amenities and to give an aesthetic makeover to the most visited stations across Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways has formulated the plan to redevelop 90 stations across Indian Railways.

The redevelopment plan of 90 stations is assigned to different zones/nodal agencies. Given that some stations are important pilgrimage hubs and report over 45,000 footfalls per day, Indian Railways would strive to ensure that passenger’s get best services at the stations even during peak seasons.

Out of these 90 Stations, three Railway Stations of South Eastern Railway viz. Adra, Jharsuguda and Ranchi have been taken up in this Programme for Redevelopment. These Stations will be developed on lines of local heritage and culture.

It may be noted that Indian Railways is in the process of redevelopment of more than 600 stations. While doing this, efforts would be made to showcase local culture or history to reflect in the station façade.

Senior Citizens Forgoing Concession

17.63 lakh Senior Citizens give up the concessional value of passenger fare subsidy

Kolkata: Indian Railways has saved an amount of Rs. 28.98 crores on account of senior citizens opting to give up the subsidy. Total 17.63 lakh Senior Citizens give up the concessional value of passenger fare subsidy.

Indian Railways have registered a rise of 35% in the number of senior citizens who have chosen to give up the subsidy. Option for giving up of concession in passenger fare for senior citizens to the element of 100% was already available. Further w.e.f. 22nd July 2017, senior citizens were given the option to avail either the full concession provided to them on rail tickets or half of it.

Till 22nd February 2018, 9.08 lakh senior citizens gave up 100% of their concessional value whereas 8.55 lakh senior citizens gave up 50% of the concessional value of passenger fare. During the current financial year 2017-18, Indian Railways has gained an amount of Rs.28.98 crores on account of senior citizens opting to give up the subsidy.

At present, male senior citizens get 40% while women get 50% concession on the total fare. Though there are many categories of passengers including sportspersons and differently-abled persons who avail concessions, the major beneficiaries are in the senior citizen segment.

First parcel cargo exp train flagged of from Sankrail Goods terminal yard

Kolkata: A Parcel Cargo Express Train consisting of 15 Parcel Vans and 1 SLR was flagged off from Sankrail Goods Terminal Yard on 22.03.18. M/s GATI Limited, Mumbai has been awarded leasing contract to run the Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) on round-trip basis between Sankrail Goods Terminal and Kalyan, Mumbai for a period of 6 years.  There will be 2 round trips per month.

The composition of the Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) will be 15 VPs (23 Tonnes each) and 1 Brake Van (2 compartments of 5 Tonnes each) for the first six months of the contract. This will subsequently be increased with the composition of 20 Parcel Vans and 1 Brake Van (470 Tonnes) which will further be extended up to 24 parcel vans on a mutual consent basis.

This railway will generate revenue earnings of Rs.30 lakhs per round trip, thus an assured amount of Rs. 7.23 crores per annum. The contract value for six years period is Rs. 43.38 crores.