3 Trains from (LTR)LAKHTAR to (BHTA)BHATIYA

Western Railway is contributing immensely in the infrastructural development of railways in Gujarat and in the last few years, tremendous boost has been given to gauge conversion, electrification, doubling and other infrastructural upgradationsalong with enhancement of passenger amenities.Western Railway has o­nce again accomplished a great feat of completing the electrification work of the Hapa -Bhatiya section (109 RKM / 133 TKM)of Rajkot division. Shri R.K. Sharma – Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted an inspection of entire section o­n 18&19^thMarch, 2021and speed trial with electric loco was successfully completed o­n 19^thMarch, 2021.

According to a press release issued by ShriSumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway,Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspected the newly electrified section of Hapa - Kanalus (High rise OHE uptoKanalus) &Khambaliya- Bhatiya section of Rajkot Division and the speed trial was also conducted successfully o­n 19^th March, 2021with maximum permissible sectional speed of 110 kmph. The work of electrification was undertaken by Railway Electrification (RE) unit Ahmedabad in collaboration with Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd. (KPTL)& Rajkot division. Rajkot Division has nearly five sidings in this section. The completion of electrification work of Hapa- Bhatiya section will provide connectivity by electric traction which in turn will result increase the revenue of Railway by increasing tonnage hauled.

Shri Thakur stated that Ministry of Railways has intended for 100 % electrification of complete Railway route by the end of 2023 in order to reduce dependence o­n diesel.Electrification of every 100 RKM will result in annual saving of four million litres of Diesel. The complete Electrification of entire Indian Railways route will lead to decrease in dependence of Diesel which is being imported from foreign countries and also helps in contain emission of greenhouse gases and air pollution. Further electrification will result in improved handling of Goods and passenger trains due to higher haulage capacity and with excellent speed control of electric engine average running time of goods and passenger train will reduce and hence maximum utilisation of railway assets.

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WR Press Release No. 2021/02Mumbai, 5^th March, 2021

WESTERN RAILWAY GENERAL MANAGER CONDUCTS INSPECTION IN RAJKOT DIVISION TO REVIEW o­nGOING WORKS

Photo caption: In the first photo, Shri Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Railway is inspecting the track of Viramgam-Rajkot section. In the second photo, GM is interacting with trackmen team. In the third photo, GM is planting a sapling at the newly constructed railway colony at Lakhtar. Fourth photo is of the newly constructed railway colony “Rachna” at Surendranagar. In the fifth photo, GM is handing over keys of the newly allotted railway quarters to staff and their family and in the last photo, GM is inaugurating the new RPF Post Office at Surendranagar along with senior railway officers.

Shri Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Railway conducted the annual inspection of the Viramgam-Rajkot section of Rajkot Division o­n 2^nd March, 2021. During the inspection, Shri Kansal inspected various o­ngoing works related to passenger amenities, staff facilities, safety/security work, infrastructural work, electrification work & other development works over the section. WR GM was accompanied by Principal Heads of Departments, Divisional Railway Manager of Rajkot Division and his branch officers.

According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Shri Kansal received the Guard of Honour at Viramgam station by RPF. He then conducted an intensive inspection of safety aspects of railway crossings, major & minor bridges, trackmen team, point and crossing and electronic interlocking system in the section. WR GM also reviewed passenger amenities at Lakhtar, Surendranagar and Rajkot stations.

Shri Kansal inaugurated the newly built railway colony “Rachna” in Surendranagar, Dhrangadhra and Lakhtar. The newly built railway colony at Dhrangadhra have 18 quarters and “Rachna” Surendranagar have 52 quarters. WR GM handed over keys of the newly allotted quarters to railway families. The railway colony in Surendranagar is facilitated with modern facilities. The colony has 52 Type-II Quarters in 5 Blocks and is well equipped with Sports Complex consisting of Badminton, Lawn Tennis & Volleyball Courts, an Open Air Gym and Jogging Path. Benches have also been installed outside every quarter for residents of all ages to enjoy their time outside. The colony has dedicated water supply and sewage system and has direct connectivity to highway.

Shri Thakur stated that during the visit, WR GM viewed the exhibition displaying good works done and reports presented by Rajbhasha Dept. at Surendranagar station. He also visited railway colonies in Lakhtar and Surendranagar and discussed local matters residing in there. Here his team also inspected Traction Sub-Station, Health Unit, Accidental Medical Relief Train, TXR Office, Guard & Driver Lobby and Running Room. At Rajkot, WR GM inaugurated the newly constructed SCADA building of TRD Dept. This office will work as Remote Control Centre for Traction Distribution & will enable monitoring of electrification work.Shri Kansal also met representatives of Hon’ble MPs, members of Railway Advisory Committee, recognised trade unions, associations, journalists from press & electronic media and accepted their memorandums.

Photo caption: WR GM viewing & appreciating the QR code display stickers at Surendranagar station.

Under the Digital India initiative, Rajkot Division’s Commercial Dept has launched QR codes (Quick Response Code) stickers for all major stations of Rajkot Division. During the visit, Shri Kansal viewed this new & innovative initiative by the Division and appreciated the efforts. The display stickers contain 2D QR codes to easily scan information regarding Parcel Special trains, Passenger trains and Business Development Unit of Rajkot Division which will facilitate passengers as well as railway customers.

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