Passenger earnings of Salem Railway Division reach over ₹621 crore, says DRM

The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Salem Railway Division (SRD), Panna Lal, said that passenger earnings has reached ₹612.58 crore, registering a 5.6% increase over the corresponding period of the previous year.

The 77th Republic Day was celebrated at the DRM’s office on Monday (January 26, 2026). After unfurling the National Flag, Mr. Lal inspected the parade contingents of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), followed by a march past.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. Lal said that Salem Division takes pride in contributing meaningfully to the growth of Indian Railways and to the socio-economic development of the region. He said that freight earnings of SRD stood at ₹244.26 crore, reflecting a growth of 10.03%. The operation of special trains made a significant contribution, with 304 special trips operated to various destinations generating a revenue of ₹41.74 crore and 581 special trips in the Nilgiris Mountain Railway section earning ₹5.06 crores.

Mr. Lal added that record punctuality of 94.4% was achieved in 2025 as compared to 93.3% in 2024. Three new train services: Amrit Bharat Express between Erode-Jogbani, Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru-Ernakulam and MEMU services between Salem- Erode, were introduced. A total of 500 special trains and 275 on-demand originating trains were also operated and new stoppages were provided at Irugur, Singanallur, Wellington and Morappur railway stations, he said.

Stating that the loading of freight exceeded targets, totalling 2.57 million tonnes, Mr. Lal said that the upgradation of track structure through rail renewal was completed for 90.9 km and sleeper renewal for 103.12 km. High speed trial run was conducted in the Jolarpettai-Coimbatore section to increase the sectional speed to 130 kmph.

He added that passenger convenience was significantly improved with the installation of nine lifts and five escalators at important stations. Safety at level crossings has been strengthened through the commissioning of electrically-operated lifting barriers at 11 gates and emergency sliding booms at 33 LC gates. To enhance passenger security, parcel scanners have been installed at Coimbatore and Erode railway stations at ₹2 crore.

Sustained drives against ticket touts led to the arrest of 67 touts, and e-tickets worth ₹13.7 lakh were seized. Significant drug seizures were made under Operation Narcos, including the seizure of 929.7 kg of ganja worth ₹4.65 crores, Mr. Lal added.