Waltair Railway Division posts robust all-round growth in 2025
The Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway recorded an impressive performance in 2025, with notable growth in earnings, passenger traffic, freight loading, and infrastructure development, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bhora said on Wednesday.
Addressing the annual press meet in Visakhapatnam, Mr. Bhora said the division ranked fifth in Indian Railways in both earnings and freight loading. Revenue rose to Rs 29,030 crore, registering an 11 per cent increase over the previous year, while passenger traffic grew by 10 per cent to 3.06 crore.
The division set new benchmarks in freight operations during the year. “We loaded 50 million tonnes in 230 days and crossed the 100 million tonne mark in just 256 days, the fastest in the early part of the year,” Mr. Bhora said, attributing the achievement to the sustained efforts of railway staff and rising confidence among industries.
Passenger services were strengthened with the permanent augmentation of the Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express to 20 coaches. Planning and timely augmentation helped the division manage heavy demand and ensure smoother travel, he said.
As part of measures to improve safety and passenger comfort, 23 trains were converted to LHB coaches. LHB Vistadome and 3AC Economy coaches were introduced on the Kirandul–Araku route, and 39 general coaches were added. The division also focused on service quality through counselling programmes for onboard housekeeping staff and by promoting digital ticketing and QR-based payments.
Mr. Bhora said plans were underway to install stationary robotic systems on railway platforms as part of enhanced safety initiatives. These systems will monitor passenger movement in real time, detect unusual behaviour, and assist in crowd management, particularly during peak hours.
On the infrastructure front, more than 360 km of double line was commissioned during the year. Works related to flyovers, additional lines, foot overbridges, platform upgrades, and station amenities are progressing steadily, he said, adding that redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is underway at 15 stations.
Highlighting safety and technology upgrades, Mr. Bhora said MRI-based monitoring of overhead equipment, induction of KAVACH-fitted locomotives, and special safety audits were implemented with focus and seriousness. The thrust, he added, was on proactive safety and the use of technology to prevent incidents.
Passenger amenities at Visakhapatnam station were expanded, earning it a four-star Eat Right certification. Facilities such as sleeping pods, prepaid auto services, LED display boards, and an emergency medical response unit were introduced to improve passenger convenience.
On sustainability, Mr. Bhora said Visakhapatnam station achieved Platinum Green Station certification through solar power usage, regenerative braking, and energy conservation measures. Security was also strengthened through improved mobility of the Railway Protection Force and intensified anti-trafficking operations.