In a remarkable achievement, Madurai Railway Division has emerged as the frontrunner in freight train speed within the expansive Indian Railways network, boasting an impressive 35.6 kmph. This extraordinary record at the national level is a testament to the division’s strategic optimisation of operational efficiency.
The division’s success can be attributed to meticulous planning across various facets, significantly reducing the detention time of goods trains. Additionally, concerted efforts have been made to minimise delays associated with mandatory checks conducted by pilots and guards. A substantial contribution to this feat is the implementation of additional infrastructure, including the doubling of tracks between Madurai and Tirunelveli/Thoothukudi sections, facilitating increased freight loading for the Madurai division. Recent commissioning of doubling on the Vanchi Maniyachchi-Thoothukudi section has notably expedited the movement of goods trains, enhancing overall operational efficiency. Effective management of goods crew, including pilots and guards, coupled with periodic acknowledgment of their contributions, has propelled the division’s average freight train speed to an impressive 35.6 kmph. This marks a substantial 12% increase from the previous year’s 31 kmph, standing out as the highest among all railway divisions in the country.
Commendably, the control room’s pivotal role in expediting the movement of goods trains has been recognised, further contributing to this significant achievement. Meanwhile, the division has achieved another milestone by registering a record loading of three million tonnes of goods this year, surpassing its previous best of 2.94 million tonnes recorded in the last financial year. Fertilisers have emerged as the leading contributor to this accomplishment, with a loading of 1.44 million tonnes. The division has also successfully loaded 0.821 million tonnes of coal and 0.046 million tonnes of food grains, showcasing diversified and efficient freight management. Madurai Railway Division’s stellar performance underscores its commitment to operational excellence and sets a benchmark for other railway divisions across the nation. This achievement not only signifies the division’s proficiency in freight transportation but also contributes positively to India’s broader logistics and transportation sector.
