Unveiling the National Flag on Republic Day, R N Singh outlined the completion timeline for key projects, emphasising the importance of enhancing rail connectivity. The Chennai Egmore-Beach fourth line is set to conclude by March, with additional double lines from Nagercoil Town to Kanyakumari, Aralvaimoli –Nagercoil Jn, and Tirunelveli- Melapalayam wrapping up by the end of February.
The Jokatte–Thokur line doubling work is slated for completion in March, while new lines such as Karaikal-Peralam and Chinnasalem-Kallakurichi may be finished by June 2024.
Under the Mission 100 percent railway electrification, Southern Railway electrified 216 route km in 2023, achieving 91.3 percent electrification of the total route km by December 31. Track maintenance initiatives, including tamping, deep screening, and ballast cleaning, showcased significant progress.
Singh highlighted achievements, with gross earnings reaching approximately Rs 9,482 crore till December 2023, marking a 5 percent increase from the corresponding period in 2022-23. Passenger traffic recorded a 13 percent growth, with 578 million passengers, contributing to an 8 percent rise in passenger revenue. Singh commended the Railway Protection Force for rescuing 1,215 runaway children and saving 27 passengers during the year.
Chennai Divisional Railway Manager B Vishwanath Eerya, during the Republic Day event, shared plans to install additional CCTV cameras at 128 railway stations by July 2024. The division reported a 4.7 percent revenue increase, handling 1.15 million passengers daily. Progress on the passenger information system at 89 stations was also highlighted.
