Waltair Division marks 77th Republic Day

The 133-year-old Waltair Railway Division has recorded strong year-on-year growth, setting new benchmarks in freight loading and revenue, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra said on Monday, crediting the railway staff for the performance.

Mr. Bohra unfurled the National Flag and received the Rashtriya Salami during the 77th Republic Day celebrations held at the Waltair Railway Football Stadium. Contingents from the Railway Protection Force, the Civil Defence, and the Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in the ceremony. He greeted employees, officials, and their families and spoke about the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Highlighting the division’s performance, Mr. Bohra said Waltair handled 66.7 million tonnes of freight, up 13%. Goods earnings increased to Rs 8,212 crore, up 19%, while gross revenue reached Rs 9,147 crore, marking a 17.5% growth. The division also recorded the highest increase in freight earnings in Indian Railways, adding Rs 1,220 crore during the year, he said.

Passenger services were strengthened with the expansion of Vande Bharat services and the operation of 230 special trains to meet seasonal and festival demand.

On the infrastructure front, 21 km of doubling works and 36 km of third-line projects were completed to improve line capacity. For safety, the indigenous KAVACH system was installed on 175 locomotives. Visakhapatnam Railway Station secured Platinum Green certification, reflecting progress in environmental measures.

Mr. Bohra also highlighted staff welfare initiatives, including compassionate appointments, disposal of 1,900 grievances through the ASTHA Centre, and programmes for women under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan. Cultural events by railway employees and their families were held as part of the celebrations.