Waltair Division Posts Record Growth in H1 2025-26
The Waltair Division of Indian Railways reported its strongest performance in the first half of the financial year 2025-26, with freight loading, operational efficiency, and passenger services all registering robust growth. Key metrics showed double-digit gains, highlighting focused planning and improved service delivery.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra said, “Between April and September 2025, the division achieved significant improvements across loading capacity, freight earnings, and operational efficiency. Daily loading capacity rose by 10.78%, while goods earnings surged by 12.18% compared to last year. Overall divisional loading increased by 10.9% over 2023-24.”
Iron ore operations contributed strongly to the growth. Mr. Bohra noted that KRDL–BCHL iron ore loading reached 12.79 million tonnes, a 21.69% rise, while turnaround efficiency improved, with daily rakes increasing from 38.5 to 45.1. “Year-to-date cumulative loading touched 39.18 million tonnes, up 16.4%, underlining the division’s operational reliability,” he added.
Long-haul operations also strengthened, with 905 trains formed, a 7.61% increase, and network utilization rising to 23,711 million NTKM, up 9.64%. On the financial front, Mr. Bohra said, “Iron ore alone contributed an additional Rs 800 crore, a 20.68% increase over the previous year.”
Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, 15 stations are being modernized with facilities such as baby feeding rooms, climate-controlled waiting halls, premium lounges, and improved platform connectivity. During the peak festive season, the division handled over 1.5 lakh passengers on 121 special trains, deploying more than 3,300 coaches and generating record passenger revenue of Rs 426 crore.
Security measures have been strengthened with CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and body-worn cameras for RPF personnel. Passenger safety initiatives such as Meri Saheli, Nanhe Farishte, and Mission Narcotics have been introduced. Modern ticketing counters, multilingual information displays, premium lounges, and dedicated passenger support desks are now operational across major stations.
Summing up the division’s performance, Mr. Bohra said, “Waltair Division’s results for the first half of 2025-26 reflect our commitment to innovation, infrastructure development, and customer-centric service, positioning us at the forefront of Indian Railways’ transformation.”
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager K Pavan Kumar, Senior Divisional Operations Manager Tanmay Mukhopadhyay, and Senior Divisional Security Commissioner A P Dubey also participated in the press meet.