Waltair Division celebrates I-Day; DRM announces station revamp, new facilities
The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway celebrated the 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervor at the Railway Football Ground, Thatichetlapalem, on Friday. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra unfurled the National Flag and received the Rashtriya Salami from contingents of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Civil Defence.
Addressing the gathering, Bohra praised the staff for sustaining Waltair’s “blue-chip” reputation. “Gross revenue has crossed Rs 3,600 crore by July 2025, which is 14% higher than last year and 6% above our target. With freight earnings up by 16% and passenger earnings by 2%, Waltair continues to rank among the top five loading divisions of Indian Railways,” he said.
The DRM pointed to recent achievements including the doubling of 30 km of track, automatic signalling, speed upgrades and improved passenger facilities such as modern waiting rooms, wider shelters and tactile tiles.
The Electric Loco Shed, Visakhapatnam, earned national recognition, while the Accounts Department achieved full utilisation of capital expenditure. The RPF conducted several operations involving drug seizures, child rescues and assistance to women travellers. “Our personnel, L. Ramana from Vizianagaram and M.K.C. Mohan from LM Cell Waltair, have made us proud by receiving the Indian Police Medal 2025,” Bohra noted.
The Division also secured six efficiency shields, the Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar for 16 staff members, and ranked second nationally in scrap disposal earnings with Rs 147 crore. To strengthen staff welfare, initiatives like Visakha Warrior and Aastha Centre were launched, with special focus on women employees.
Speaking to the media, Bohra highlighted the Division’s growth trajectory. “Visakhapatnam Division is now the fifth-largest in terms of earnings within Indian Railways. In the past four years and four months, we have seen a 16% rise, and I am confident this growth will surpass past records,” he said.
On freight operations, he underlined the Division’s strategic role in moving steel and raw materials. “The KK and KR lines are lifelines that serve major steel plants and industries, making Waltair crucial for the nation’s development,” Bohra stressed.
Looking ahead, Bohra announced new passenger-friendly facilities, including sleeping pods, unisex restrooms and digital lockers at stations. He said the redevelopment of Visakhapatnam Railway Station was already in progress to transform it into a world-class transport hub. “We are also setting up a Vande Bharat maintenance depot at the station, which will boost train services in the region,” he added.
Passenger convenience is further set to improve with 12-metre-wide Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) and upgrades under the Amrit Bharat scheme.
Concluding his address, Bohra reiterated the Centre’s focus on strengthening railway infrastructure. “The government is determined to ensure that the Visakhapatnam Division continues to grow and play a pivotal role in the nation’s development,” he said.