Train punctuality in the Mysuru division of South Western Railway improved from 89% to 91.7%, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency, divisional railway manager Mudit Mittal said on Monday.
Addressing Republic Day celebrations at the Railway Sports Ground, Mittal said the division also recorded growth on the freight front, surpassing last year’s loading by nearly 2%, while freight earnings rose by 9%. He attributed the improvement largely to the upgradation of the Chikjajur–Raidurga section to a 25-tonne axle load, which enabled higher loading per rake.
During the Dasara festival in October, the division successfully managed heavy passenger traffic through improved planning and enhanced CCTV surveillance, he said. Mittal added that the tableau showcasing the iconic Pamban and Chenab bridges drew wide public appreciation during the celebrations.
Reiterating that “safety first” remains the division’s guiding principle, he highlighted the contribution of loco pilots and assistant loco pilots, strengthened safety measures at level-crossing gates, and the conduct of eight Railway Board and four headquarters-level safety drives.
Mittal announced that the entire ghat section has been electrified, making it suitable for Vande Bharat operations. Several traction substations were commissioned, and 46 trains were converted from diesel to electric traction over the last five months.
On the welfare and administrative front, he said scrap worth ₹12.3 crore was sold, savings of ₹76 crore were achieved, 828 pension payment orders were linked, and ₹13 crore in performance-linked bonus was disbursed on time. The division also promoted 559 employees, achieved 100% medical KPIs, intensified cleanliness drives, and saw the Railway Protection Force rescue 63 persons, including tracing a kidnapped six-month-old child using CCTV footage.