SCR boosts rail safety: 135 km track renewed, 20 underbridges built

South Central Railway (SCR), which comprises the Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Nanded divisions covering 3,605 route km, has undertaken track renewal works over 135.22 km and completed 20 road underbridges (RUBs) since April this year. These works are aimed at further strengthening operational safety across the zone.

Speaking at the Independence Day celebrations, SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava said the zone has been honoured with the National Signal and Telecommunications (S&T) Award for Best Zonal Railway. The award recognises SCR’s pioneering contributions to the development of Kavach, the indigenous train collision protection system, and digital interlocking systems that enhance safety and efficiency.

Highlighting infrastructure achievements during the current financial year, he said the tripling of the Asifabad-Sirpur Kaghaznagar section has been completed, marking the completion of the Kazipet-Balharshah tripling project. Other major works completed include doubling of the Manyamkonda-Mahabubnagar section, construction of a chord line between Lallaguda and Sitafalmandi A Cabin, and gauge conversion between Amlakhurd and Tukaithad.

SCR has maintained strong operational performance, registering gross originating revenue of ₹4,060.57 crore. This includes freight earnings of ₹2,640.80 crore and passenger revenue of ₹1,236.88 crore. Freight operations also gained momentum, with the zone loading 30.593 million tonnes of various commodities. Under Mission Raftar, SCR has upgraded open wagon speeds to 100 kmph, improving freight movement efficiency.

To enhance passenger connectivity, the zone introduced four pairs of new train services and regularised 31 pairs of special trains as permanent services. It also operated 75 special trains and augmented services with 652 additional coaches to meet growing demand, Srivastava said.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment works are progressing at identified stations. The redeveloped Hi-Tech City and Komuravelli Punyakshetram railway stations have already been opened for passengers. In addition, 10 foot overbridges, each 12 metres wide, along with 10 lifts and two escalators, were commissioned.

SCR also expanded its solar power capacity to 13.34 MWp and exceeded the Railway Board’s target under the Mission Zero Scrap initiative, generating revenue that was 30% higher than the prescribed target. The General Manager said the zone’s positive and harmonious work culture, supported by constructive cooperation from trade unions, remains one of its key strengths.

Meanwhile, the Cherlapalli-Gorakhpur Amrit Bharat Express is set to become a regular weekly service from October. The Ministry of Railways has approved the introduction of Train Nos. 22075/22076 Cherlapalli-Gorakhpur-Cherlapalli Amrit Bharat weekly express, regularising the existing Train Nos. 07075/07076 weekly special. The regular service will commence from Cherlapalli on October 2 and from Gorakhpur on October 4.

The train will depart Cherlapalli at 9.45 p.m. on Friday and reach Gorakhpur at 6.25 a.m. on Sunday. In the return journey, it will depart Gorakhpur at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday and arrive at Cherlapalli at 5 p.m. on Monday.

This will be the sixth Amrit Bharat Express originating from the twin cities and the seventh to serve Telangana. The low-cost, non-AC superfast train is designed for long-distance travel and comprises general unreserved and sleeper-class coaches. It features push-pull technology for faster acceleration, modern coaches, sealed gangways and charging points at every seat. With operating speeds of 110-130 km/hour, the service is aimed at providing an affordable and comfortable long-distance travel option, particularly for lower- and lower-middle-income passengers.