Chennai Stations Enhance Security: 128 Stations Get CCTV

Southern Railway's Chennai division is gearing up for significant improvements in passenger amenities and operational capabilities. B Vishwanath Eerya, Divisional Railway Manager, announced that the division is on track to install CCTV cameras across 128 railway stations within the Chennai division by June 2024. This initiative aims to bolster security and enhance surveillance capabilities.Eerya also revealed that 15 railway stations within the division will be upgraded as part of the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme, involving an estimated expenditure of $3.4 bn. This effort underscores the commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and modernising station facilities.In terms of operational enhancements, the Arakkonam-Jolarpettai section's speed will see an increase from 110 kmph to 130 kmph this year, contributing to more efficient rail travel.In the previous financial year (2022-23), the division invested $423.9 mn in passenger amenity improvements. This included the installation of 16 lifts at various locations, 130 automatic ticket vending machines, and 95 facilitators as part of the Digital India Mission. The installation of an auto announcement system at 12 railway stations, including those on the MRTS line, further demonstrates the commitment to modernising passenger services.Eerya highlighted the division's financial achievements, with a record revenue of $41.64 bn during the year 2022-23. The revenue target for the current financial year stands at $44.5 bn, with $14.3 bn already achieved.Efforts to bolster freight operations are also evident, with a target of loading 11.47 million tonnes of freight traffic this year, up from 10.38 million tonnes achieved in the previous year. The commissioning of Gatisakthi Terminal at CPCL in July 2023 adds to the division's operational capacity.Punctuality remains a priority, with a punctuality rate of 92.14% achieved for Mail/Express trains in 2022-23, targeting 92% for the current year. For suburban trains, a punctuality rate of 95% is the goal for this year, emphasising the commitment to reliable and efficient rail services.