Mysuru: South Western Railway, Mysuru division has earned a revenue of Rs 226.62 crore up till August this year which showed 0.65 percent increase as compared to the corresponding year earning of Rs 225.15 crore, said Atul Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru division, South Western Railway.
While addressing the media he said “Number of passengers carried on originating basis is around 2.10 crores which is up by a percent as compared to the corresponding period of the last year, where it was 2.08 crores. In addition to the revenue of Rs 226.62, in the ticket checking area, the Mysuru division has earned Rs 2.08 crores by registering around 70,000 cases. When compared to last year, the earnings from sale of tickets have also increased.Last year it was Rs 97.73 crore while this year up till August it was registered at Rs 104.07 crores. Last year until August, the goods revenue was Rs 115.46 crores while during the corresponding year, it was Rs 113.1 crore”.
With regards to the digital reservation chart display system, he said, “With a direction of achieving the objective of a paperless office, digital reservation chart display system has been installed at 30 important stations across Mysuru division including Mysuru, Shivamogga and Davanagere where real-time status of waitlisted and reserved passengers will be displayed on the screens. The progress of major passenger amenity work including the escalators, lifts, subway and others almost shows ready and these will be at a functioning stage by the end of December this year.”
Special trains and more security for Dasara
To clear the extra rush of passengers during the Mysuru Dasara festivities, new services, augmentation of the composition of trains and a few special arrangements have been made by the railway. On October 11 and 12, for the convenience of tourists, departing after witnessing Jumbo Savari and torch light parade, an additional passenger train will be running between Mysuru and Bengaluru. Additional stoppages have been provided at stations on Mysuru-Hassan-Mysuru section for the train number 17301/02, Mysuru-Dharwad Express on October 11. Augmentation of the composition of a few passenger trains with additional general second class coaches on Mysuru-Chamarajanagar, Mysuru-Hassan and Mysuru-Talaguppa section have also been planned.
The proposed railway line between Mysuru and Madikeri is to cost Rs 900 crore
“Nearly 130km railway line between Mysuru and Madikeri may cost the railway Rs 900 crore. A report of techno-economic survey conducted in the proposed Mysuru- Madikeri railway lane has been sent to the concerned authorities in March this year,” added Gupta.
In the next four years, the railway will be having more than 50 percent of the entire traffic: “As of now, railways cater to 30 percent of it. But our Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants it to be increased to more than 50 percent in three years time. To meet the set goal, we have to increase the growth to almost three times and work smartly and think differently and major thrust should be on innovation.”
Tie up with more firms to increase the revenue
To increase goods revenue firms including JK Tyre, Cycle Pure Agarbathy and other cement firms will be tapped into. On coming Tuesday, the authorities have called for a meeting with various industries.
Unmanned level crossing across the division will be removed by 2017
There are nearly 150 unmanned level crossings across the division which are creating problems. Due to this, the speed of trains is also getting affected. Once these unmanned level crossings are removed, there is much scope for further speed. He also mentioned the three manned level crossing in Mysuru city – KRS road near Royal Inn hotel, behind the University of Mysore Crawford Hall and near Chamarajapuram railway station. The authorities said that due to the state government’s lack of interest towards ROB or RUB, they couldn’t replace the manned level crossing.
Flexi fare system – Not a success
Atul Gupta also mentioned that the newly introduced Flexi Fare System is not getting a good response in the division. The railway has introduced the flexi fare system in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains from September 9 (this year?). They are aiming at an extra Rs 500 crore during the current financial year.
