GM/CR Conducts Comprehensive Inspection of Solapur Division
General Manager Reviews Infrastructure Development, Safety and Passenger Service Initiatives
Solapur: The General Manager of Central Railway, Rajeev Shrivastava, conducted a comprehensive two-day inspection of the Solapur Division on 23rd and 24th June 2026. During the extensive inspection covering the Latur Road–Kurduwadi–Miraj section of around 385 route kilometres, the GM reviewed several ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects, inspected operational facilities, interacted with railway officials, staff and members of the public, and assessed preparedness for passenger services, particularly in view of the forthcoming Ashadhi Wari and Mansoon season.
At Latur, the GM inspected the Crew Lobby, Electronic Interlocking (EI) Building, the ongoing construction of the Washing-cum-Pit Line and Stabling Line, the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory (#MRCF) and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (#ABSS) works. The proposed creation of a new railway station at Gharni was reviewed in detail.
The GM also inspected important engineering assets including the Manjra Bridge, Seena Bridge, Bhima Bridge, Tunnel No. 2, Level Crossing Gates, 33 kV power line crossings, bridge mast arrangements and several ongoing safety and capacity enhancement works across the division.
During the inspection of Yedsi station, the GM expressed satisfaction on cleanliness, housekeeping, passenger amenities and maintenance of the station premises, acknowledging the coordinated efforts of various departments in maintaining a safe, clean and passenger-friendly environment.
At Kurduwadi, he inspected the Railway Workshop, Running Room, Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) Office, Kavach equipment room and Gang Hut, interacting with frontline employees and reviewing modern safety technologies being implemented in the division.
The General Manager also reviewed the progress of preparations for the Ashadhi Wari 2026 at Pandharpur, with emphasis on ensuring seamless passenger facilities, adequate water supply, effective crowd management and operational readiness to serve the large number of devotees expected during the annual pilgrimage. During the inspection of the traditional passage across the railway tracks used by devotees travelling to Sant Kurmdas Temple during the #Ashadhi Wari, he interacted with local villagers and took note of their suggestions. He also received representations from public representatives and passengers at Kurduwadi and Pandharpur regarding station development and train stoppages, besides discussing passenger-related issues concerning Pandharpur and Modnimb stations.
During the inspection of #OHE installations, Kurduwadi Yard, LC Gate No. 24, Salgare #TRD Depot and Traction Sub-Station (#TSS), the General Manager inspected several innovative safety initiatives and maintenance practices adopted by Solapur Division. He also examined the deployment of Anti-Theft Alarm Systems and #CCTV with live feed in Tower Wagons, provision of insulating rubber mats on Tower Wagon lifting platforms for staff safety, the use of Thermovision Cameras for hotspot detection, development of an in-house Section Insulator Alignment Jig, and proactive identification of cracked fittings before failure. He also inspected the model OHE setup developed at Salgare #TRD Depot for practical training of newly inducted staff. At Salgare #TSS, the General Manager witnessed demonstrations of circuit breaker testing and the #SCADA-based wind monitoring system.
During the inspection, several strategic infrastructure proposals aimed at enhancing the division’s future capacity were discussed. These include the priority doubling of the Latur Road–Kurduwadi–Miraj section to improve line capacity, reduce train detention and facilitate smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains. The creation of new block stations at Gharni, Murud, Babhulgaon, Bamani and Javale was also reviewed to improve sectional capacity, operational flexibility and train punctuality. The proposal for construction of chord lines bypassing Kurduwadi Junction between Chink Hill–Wadsinge and Laul–Dhavalas was also discussed. The proposed connectivity is expected to eliminate locomotive reversals, reduce detention of trains, decongest Kurduwadi Junction and significantly improve operational efficiency.
Throughout the inspection, the General Manager laid strong emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of safety. Detailed observations were made regarding track maintenance, bridges, tunnels, drainage arrangements, yard layouts, signalling infrastructure and engineering assets. Necessary instructions were issued for prompt corrective action and adoption of modern technologies wherever required to further strengthen railway safety, asset reliability and operational efficiency.
The General Manager, Central Railway, was accompanied throughout the inspection by the Divisional Railway Manager, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, branch officers and staff of Solapur Division. The inspection reaffirmed Central Railway’s continued focus on modernisation, infrastructure development, safety enhancement and passenger-centric initiatives. The Solapur Division remains committed to implementing these developmental works in a time-bound manner to provide safer, faster and more efficient rail services while supporting the region’s growing transportation needs.