When ECR focused on safety and efficiency | Patna News – Times of India
Patna: The year 2024 proved to be a landmark one for the East Central Railway (ECR), marking a major achievement – an entire year without a major accident. “This achievement highlights the dedication of the entire team at ECR to create a safer and more efficient railway network,” said Saraswati Chandra, ECR’s chief public relations officer (CPRO). “It is a major step forward in improving rail travel within our jurisdiction,” he added.
Alongside this safety accomplishment, ECR has spearheaded several ambitious infrastructure projects across Bihar, aimed at boosting both connectivity and economic growth. These projects focus on the expansion and upgrading of key railway lines, the development of new station facilities and the integration of cutting-edge technology to improve the passenger experience.
Among the most notable advancements has been the introduction and enhancement of the Vande Bharat Express trains. Operating on the Patna–Lucknow, Patna–New Jalpaiguri and Patna–Jamshedpur routes, these semi-high-speed trains have been upgraded with more advanced features, promising faster and more comfortable journeys. “The Vande Bharat trains are a leap forward in modernizing rail travel in the region. These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to offering the best for our passengers,” Chandra said.
The installation of automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) at more stations has streamlined the ticketing process, providing greater convenience for commuters.
The 2024 Union Budget further bolstered ECR’s development goals with a massive allocation of Rs 70,672 crore for rail and infrastructure projects in Bihar. This funding is expected to fuel transformative initiatives such as electrification of railway lines, the creation of multi-modal transport hubs, track doubling and station modernisation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. “With such a substantial budget, ECR is set to revolutionise Bihar’s railway network,” Chandra said. “As the year draws to a close, we are focused on the implementation of these projects and their long-term impact on Bihar’s economy and rail transport system,” he added.
Throughout the year, ECR also rolled out hundreds of special passenger trains, designed to accommodate the overwhelming festive rush. “This year, we made sure passengers had the trains they needed during peak times, ensuring a smoother travel experience,” Chandra added.
The ECR has also made major strides in eliminating unmanned railway crossing gates, constructing road underpass bridges (RUBs), road over bridges (ROBs) and foot over bridges (FOBs), as well as installing coach indication display boards, escalators and lifts. These improvements are part of a broader effort to make travel safer and more comfortable for all passengers.
Chandra concluded by highlighting a major milestone – ECR has recorded its highest-ever earnings from both goods loading and passenger revenue this fiscal year. “It has been a year of remarkable growth and transformation for ECR. As we move forward, we are excited about the continued impact of these projects on Bihar’s development,” he said.
Alongside this safety accomplishment, ECR has spearheaded several ambitious infrastructure projects across Bihar, aimed at boosting both connectivity and economic growth. These projects focus on the expansion and upgrading of key railway lines, the development of new station facilities and the integration of cutting-edge technology to improve the passenger experience.
Among the most notable advancements has been the introduction and enhancement of the Vande Bharat Express trains. Operating on the Patna–Lucknow, Patna–New Jalpaiguri and Patna–Jamshedpur routes, these semi-high-speed trains have been upgraded with more advanced features, promising faster and more comfortable journeys. “The Vande Bharat trains are a leap forward in modernizing rail travel in the region. These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to offering the best for our passengers,” Chandra said.
The installation of automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) at more stations has streamlined the ticketing process, providing greater convenience for commuters.
The 2024 Union Budget further bolstered ECR’s development goals with a massive allocation of Rs 70,672 crore for rail and infrastructure projects in Bihar. This funding is expected to fuel transformative initiatives such as electrification of railway lines, the creation of multi-modal transport hubs, track doubling and station modernisation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. “With such a substantial budget, ECR is set to revolutionise Bihar’s railway network,” Chandra said. “As the year draws to a close, we are focused on the implementation of these projects and their long-term impact on Bihar’s economy and rail transport system,” he added.
Throughout the year, ECR also rolled out hundreds of special passenger trains, designed to accommodate the overwhelming festive rush. “This year, we made sure passengers had the trains they needed during peak times, ensuring a smoother travel experience,” Chandra added.
The ECR has also made major strides in eliminating unmanned railway crossing gates, constructing road underpass bridges (RUBs), road over bridges (ROBs) and foot over bridges (FOBs), as well as installing coach indication display boards, escalators and lifts. These improvements are part of a broader effort to make travel safer and more comfortable for all passengers.
Chandra concluded by highlighting a major milestone – ECR has recorded its highest-ever earnings from both goods loading and passenger revenue this fiscal year. “It has been a year of remarkable growth and transformation for ECR. As we move forward, we are excited about the continued impact of these projects on Bihar’s development,” he said.
