Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh)[India], April 2 (ANI): Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway has recorded its highest-ever performance across key parameters including revenue, freight loading and passenger services, Divisional Railway Manager Mohit Sonakia said on Thursday.

Addressing reporters, Sonakia said the division achieved a record gross revenue of 5,907 crore, reflecting steady growth during the year.

'This year has been truly exceptional for the division, marked by record-breaking achievements, infrastructure expansion, enhanced passenger services and strengthened safety systems. We have achieved several milestones this year. We have clocked the highest ever gross revenue of rupees 5,907 crores, reflecting steady growth. We have also achieved the highest ever freight loading of 40.63 million tonnes, generating rupees 4,266 crores gross freight revenue. The passenger revenue has reached 1,523.9 crores, registering a 9.92 per cent increase,' he said.

Sonakia asserted that, 'The ticket checking earnings have touched a record 76.34 crores, a growth of over 36 percent indicating improved compliance and monitoring. Our annual punctuality has reached 86.74 per cent, the best in the division's history. We have added 50 kilometres of third line section, strengthening the high-density corridor, increasing our capacity. We have commissioned 152.54 kilometres of automatic block signalling to improve the line capacity. Around 32 kilometres of the Vijayawada-Gudur section between Nidubrolu and Appikatla has had a permanent speed restriction of 75 kmph for nearly three decades.'

He added, 'This has been done by creating a diversion line and strengthening the track formation structure. This has increased the operational efficiency, enhanced our safety and resulted in smoother train movements. Further, for passengers, apart from Amrit stations, we have also been focusing on the security of passengers.

The division also intensified passenger safety and security measures. Under 'Operation Nanhe Farishte,' more than 284 children were rescued, while 'Operation Amanat' led to the recovery of lost luggage worth over Rs 3 crore. Efforts under 'Operation Narcos' and 'Mission Rail Suraksha' resulted in increased seizures and improved crime detection.

Meanwhile, South Central Railway General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava said the zone has continued to perform strongly in freight, infrastructure and safety despite not being the largest railway zone.

Speaking to ANI, Srivastava said,'The budget allocation for this year is Rs 13,026 crores, increased from Rs 11,012 crores last year. Telangana received Rs 5,454 crores, up from Rs 5,337 crores. Around 2014-15, the combined allocation for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was about Rs 880 crores. Currently, projects worth approximately Rs 48,000 crores are underway in Telangana. Freight loading reached 147.9 million tons, the highest in the zone's history (previous: 144 million tons in 2024-25). Freight revenue increased to 13,575 crores. Key commodities include coal, clinker, iron ore, fertiliser, and food grains. Record loadings include cement (38 million tons), clinker (19.8 million tons), and iron ore (8.8 million tons).

He further added, 'Passenger revenue reached Rs 6,235.37 crores (previous: Rs5,714 crores in 2024-25). Total passengers carried were 286.44 million (up from 263.36 million). A total of 3,791 special trains were run, 276 additional coaches were added to 197 trains, and 59 trains upgraded with LHB coaches. Gross originating revenue reached Rs 21,211 crores (previous: 20,569 crores). Ticket checking earnings rose to Rs 232.6 crores (previous: RS 184.24 crores).

Infrastructure additions include nearly 200 km of new track, 80 km of triple lines, and 325 track km electrified in 2025-26. The zone achieved 100% electrification. Electric locomotives increased from 1,268 to 1,413.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 11 stations (Rs 2,900 crores) and 108 stations (RS 3,123 crores) are being developed, including 36 in Telangana. Three stations are completed, five nearing completion, and major redevelopment is ongoing at Secunderabad and Hyderabad.

Automatic block signaling covered 479 route km (previous: 357 km). Kavach version 4.0 covered 486 km. A total of 65 level crossings were removed, 72 road underbridges and 27 road overbridges constructed.

Scrap sales reached Rs 650 crores (highest in Indian Railways). Additionally, 40 lifts and 25 escalators were installed. Solar power plants of 10.7 MW were set up, saving Rs 13 crores annually. 37 buildings received 'Shunya' and 'Shunya Plus' certification.

The Adilabad-Nagpur-Pothareddipeta division is under discussion. The South Coast Railway zone setup in Visakhapatnam is progressing.

In 2025-26, 2,176 crime cases were reported, with 427 cases (19.62%) solved. (ANI)