South Eastern Railway celebrates 74th Republic Day

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Kolkata: The 74th Republic Day was celebrated at South Eastern Railway’s Headquarters, Garden Reach, Kolkata with great enthusiasm today. Ms. Archana Joshi, 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 and St John Ambulance.

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.

Photo Caption: Ms. Archana Joshi, General Manager, South Eastern Railway unfurling the National Flag on the occasion of 74th Republic Day Celebrations at SER Headquarters, Garden Reach, Kolkata.

During the period from April to December 2022, SER achieved a commendable loading of 149.23 million tonnes of freight which is about 4.1% higher than the corresponding period of 2021-22. To ensure availability of coal for power plants, the best ever coal loading was achieved by SER this year with a loading of 41.24 million tonnes of coal which is an increase of 24.78% over last year.

General Manager added that in order to increase operational capacity, 114.05 km of doubling / 3rd line work has been completed so far this year, including the super critical project of Kharagpur-Narayangarh and Coal Link Project of Rourkela-Jharsuguda. Keeping in view the importance of road safety, altogether 8 Road Over Bridges have been commissioned this year. In addition, the work of one Road Over Bridge at Jugsalai, Tatanagar has been completed and is ready to be commissioned.

General Manager stated that with a view to provide more amenities to the passengers, 11 lifts and 03 escalators have been commissioned at various stations during the current financial year.  Moreover, to ensure safety and convenience of the passengers, the work of 16 Foot Over Bridges have been completed this year so far.

These apart, 22 platforms at 21 stations have been raised and 32 new toilets have been provided where facilities are also available for Divyangjan. During the current financial year, 155 special trains have been run to clear the extra rush of the passengers. Till December 2022 of the current fiscal, 150 coaches have been permanently augmented and 4568 coaches have been temporarily augmented in 83 trains.

Mentioning the special efforts of RPF, General Manager stated that this year under “Operation Nanhe Farishte and Dignity” total 501 minor boys, 482 minor girls and 187 women have been rescued from train and station premises and handed over to Child Line or their family members. RPF personnel of South Eastern Railway in “Operation Jeevan Raksha” saved the precious lives of 31 male and 26 female passengers by risking their own lives.

On the occasion of Republic Day, an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit with Invasive Cardiac Lab was inaugurated by General Manager at SER Central Hospital, Garden Reach. General Manager also inaugurated Renovated Haemodialysis Unit at SER Central Hospital today.

A cultural programme on patriotic theme was organised on the occasion. The programme was presented by the Personnel Department and members of SER Bharat Scouts and Guides. A special Dog Show by RPF Dog Squad was also organised on the occasion. Republic Day was also celebrated at the Divisional Offices at Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.

Photo Caption(top): Ms. Archana Joshi, General Manager, South Eastern Railway addressing the railway employees on the occasion of 74th Republic Day celebrations at SER HQs, Garden Reach, Kolkata.

Photo Caption: Ms. Archana Joshi, General Manager, South Eastern Railway inspecting the Parade on the occasion of 74th Republic Day celebrations at SER Headquarters, Garden Reach, Kolkata.